Spritzgeback: A Delightful German Cookie

"Spritzgeback!" my great-grandfather, a son of two German immigrants, would shout unofficially announcing that the Christmas season had arrived by requesting his favorite German cookie. You've likely had a Spritzgeback cookie,

My great-grandmother, a petite yet sprightly woman, would then head to the attic and return with metal cookie containers stacked from her arms to her chin. With a twinkle in her eye, she would pull out a metal vintage cookie press (the same press can be found in my kitchen today) and she would begin her Christmas baking.

The avocado green Kitchen Aid which sat on the countertop would whir as it creamed butter, egg, almond extract and sugar together. Flour was slowly added to the mixture, and a ball of dough would form. After sectioning then coloring the Spritz dough, we would begin the task of packing the cookie press. With each crank of the press, a small cookie cranked out onto the baking sheet. A few minutes the kitchen would transform into a holiday haven as the smells of butter and almond wafted through the air. 

Christmas traditions are wonderful practices passed from generation to generation. Baking Spritz cookies is one of my favorite Christmas traditions. We'd love to hear about your favorite Christmas traditions.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas on behalf of everyone at Berndes Cookware USA. Fröhliche Weihnachten!