Spritz Biscuits from Le Cordon Bleu
Discovering the Art of Spritz Biscuits at Le Cordon Bleu
Hello everyone, Sergio Boulanger here again. Among the many recipes I studied at Le Cordon Bleu, the second one I’d like to share is Spritz Biscuits. At first glance, they might look simple, but the delicate texture and beautiful piped shapes really caught my attention. Plus, this recipe gave me a valuable chance to refine my piping skills—something every aspiring pastry chef should master.
What Makes Spritz Biscuits Special?
These biscuits (often called “cookies” in some parts of the world) are known for being buttery, crisp, and irresistibly light. The dough is piped into pretty shapes—traditionally using a swirl tip to form little “snails” around 8 cm in diameter.
Spritz Biscuit Recipe
Ingredients
175 g softened butter
105 g sugar
3 g salt
25 g eggs
25 g milk
225 g flour
9 g milk powder
Lemon zest, to taste
Vanilla paste, to taste
Method
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, salt, lemon zest, and vanilla. Beat until you have a light, fluffy mixture.
Add Eggs and Milk: Slowly pour in the eggs and milk, blending well after each addition to keep the batter smooth.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour and milk powder, then add them gradually to the wet mixture. Mix just until everything is well combined—overmixing can make the dough tough.
Pipe the Dough: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip. Pipe 8 cm-diameter spiral shapes (“snails”) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Bake the biscuits for 18–20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
Lessons Learned
Piping Precision: Consistent piping takes practice, but it’s worth the effort. Each swirl needs a steady hand and a controlled squeeze.
Texture is Key: Properly creaming the butter and sugar goes a long way. This step helps achieve that soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Flavor Variations: Don’t be shy about experimenting. A touch of zest from oranges or even a hint of cinnamon can transform the taste.
Why I Love Spritz Biscuits
Their charming appearance makes them perfect for everything from afternoon tea to a treat served alongside coffee. What started as “just another recipe” became a new favorite that’s easy to share—both in presentation and flavor.
I hope you’ll enjoy trying out these biscuits as much as I did. After all, there’s a reason Spritz Biscuits remain a classic in so many parts of the world. Give them a whirl, and you might just find yourself piping swirls like a pro in no time!
Sergio Boulanger, Art Bakery & Gourmet. Spain