Cream Cheese Spritz
Cream Cheese Spritz cookies are delicate, buttery treats with a hint of lemon, perfect for holidays or special occasions, offering a crisp texture and tangy flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour and baking powder.
- Work butter and cream cheese in a bowl until creamy.
- Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, lemon juice, and lemon peel.
- Beat thoroughly.
- Gradually add sifted dry ingredients to butter mixture and mix until smooth.
- Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
- Heat oven to 375°F.
- Put star plate in cookie press and fill with dough.
- Force out 2-inch ribbons in the shape of an "S" onto cold, ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are browned.
- Remove from sheets and cool on racks.
- Dip ends of cookies in Lemon Glaze and then in chopped nuts.
- Place on waxed paper until glaze hardens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your butter and cream cheese are truly at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option, or use a gluten-free flour blend if needed. If you prefer a different flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract instead of lemon.
Serving Suggestions
These Cream Cheese Spritz cookies are delightful as a sweet treat for tea time or holiday gatherings. They pair wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a selection of other cookies, such as Pumpkin Pie Delight(Healthy Recipe) or Christopher Masello'S Incredibly Awesome White Chocolate-Oatmeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the unglazed cookies in a single layer and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and glaze before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese Spritz contains roughly 58 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used as a substitute. However, it may alter the texture slightly, making the cookies less rich. Adjusting the sugar to taste can help maintain the desired sweetness.
What can I use instead of lemon juice?
If you don't have lemon juice, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vinegar or another citrus juice like lime or orange juice for a different flavor profile. This will still provide acidity to balance the sweetness.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To add a festive touch, consider incorporating colored sugar sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the glaze. You can also shape the cookies into holiday-themed designs using different cookie press plates or piping bags.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).