If you’re looking for a show-stopping cookie that’s as beautiful as it is buttery, let me introduce you to My Favorite Spritz Cookies. With their crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture and whimsical shapes, these cookies have forever been the highlight of my holiday table (but, honestly, they charm year-round too). From the rich flavor of real butter and a hint of vanilla to the fun you’ll have pressing out swirls and flowers, every bite is nostalgic and joyous. Get ready to discover why My Favorite Spritz Cookies absolutely deserve a spot in your baking repertoire!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of My Favorite Spritz Cookies lies in their simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring out the cookies’ delicate flavor, perfect crumb, and signature golden hues. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why every element matters!
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The essence of these cookies—unsalted butter provides richness and that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture. Room temperature butter is key for creaming.
- Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): Brings the perfect touch of sweetness and helps create a light, tender crumb.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough and adds a bit of richness for structure.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the cookies with depth and warm, comforting flavor.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Optional, but it gives a lovely, aromatic twist that tastes incredibly nostalgic—especially in holiday cookies.
- All-purpose flour (2 and 1/4 cups): The foundation of the dough, giving the cookies their classic shape and bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and bring out all those rich, buttery notes.
- Food coloring or sprinkles (optional): For a pop of festive color or a bit of sparkle—let your creativity shine!
How to Make My Favorite Spritz Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat your softened butter with the sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like in texture. This step sets up the cookies’ delicate crumb and ensures every bite is airy and soft—it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to get it just right!
Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts
Crack in the egg, then add the vanilla extract (and almond, if you’re using it for that bakery-fresh aroma). Beat until everything’s fully combined. The dough should look smooth and a little glossy, almost like a thick cake batter at this point—don’t worry, it’ll firm up as flour is added.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low until just combined. You want the dough to come together without over-mixing to preserve its delicate texture—stop once you no longer see dry flour. If you’re using food coloring, divide the dough and gently stir in your chosen hues. Pastels look lovely for spring, while bold reds and greens sparkle during the holidays.
Step 4: Load the Cookie Press and Shape the Cookies
Spoon the dough into your cookie press fitted with your favorite shape disc (flowers, stars, or trees are all crowd-pleasers). Press the dough directly onto an ungreased, unlined baking sheet—this helps the cookies release perfectly and maintain their sharp designs. Space the cookies out just a bit; they don’t spread much, but a little wiggle room ensures even baking. Add sprinkles, if you wish, for extra fun and crunch.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 7 to 9 minutes, just until the edges show a hint of golden color. Don’t overbake—these cookies are at their finest when still pale with barely bronzed bottoms. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes to set up, then gently move them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Now, take in the aroma of fresh, buttery treats—the best part!
How to Serve My Favorite Spritz Cookies
Garnishes
The joy of My Favorite Spritz Cookies is how easily you can dress them up to suit any occasion. Dust them with powdered sugar for a wintery look, or give them a playful sprinkle of colored sugars or nonpareils before baking. You can even dip a corner in white or dark chocolate once cooled for a truly decadent treat.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a mug of hot chocolate, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. Try serving them alongside other cookies for a homemade cookie platter, or with fresh berries for a light and pretty dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange My Favorite Spritz Cookies in decorative tins or boxes to make thoughtful gifts—layer them between sheets of parchment to keep them pristine. For parties, stack them tower-style on a cake stand, or line up multicolored shapes on a tray for a cheerful pop of color. You can even wrap up cookies in clear bags with ribbon for take-home favors at showers or holidays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They stay crisp and fresh, and the flavor actually deepens a bit as the days pass, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy festive weeks or gatherings.
Freezing
Baked My Favorite Spritz Cookies freeze beautifully for up to two months. Place them in a freezer-safe container with sheets of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let the cookies thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes, and they’ll be as delightful as the day they were baked.
Reheating
If you like your cookies just a touch warm (who doesn’t?), pop a few thawed spritz cookies into a 275°F (135°C) oven for 2-3 minutes. This gently revives their fresh-from-the-oven aroma and crisp texture without drying them out. Allow to cool for a minute before digging in!
FAQs
Can I make My Favorite Spritz Cookies without a cookie press?
While the iconic shapes are easiest with a cookie press, you can pipe the dough using a sturdy piping bag fitted with a large star tip. The results aren’t exactly the same, but they’re still delicious and beautifully rustic.
Why shouldn’t I chill the dough before pressing?
The dough needs to be soft enough to press easily through the cookie press; chilling firms it up too much, which can result in broken cookies or shapes that won’t release properly. Use room temperature dough for best results.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! My Favorite Spritz Cookies are perfect for parties or cookie swaps, and the recipe doubles (or even triples) easily. Just give yourself a little extra time to press and bake the extra batches.
What’s the best way to add color to the dough?
Use gel food coloring rather than liquid to avoid thinning the dough. Add a small amount after mixing in the flour, divide the dough as needed, and knead in the color gently for marbled or solid pastel hues.
Are these cookies suitable for mailing as gifts?
Yes! Once fully cooled and stored in a snug tin or sturdy box (with parchment between layers), My Favorite Spritz Cookies travel very well and make a thoughtful homemade gift that holds up beautifully during shipping.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, My Favorite Spritz Cookies check every box. They’re buttery, pretty, versatile, and a guaranteed hit whether you’re baking for a celebration or just because. I hope you have as much joy creating and sharing these as I do—don’t be surprised if they become your family’s favorite, too!
Print
My Favorite Spritz Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 dozen cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These spritz cookies are a delightful treat that are perfect for any occasion. With a buttery and tender crumb, these cookies can be easily customized with different colors and decorations to suit your preference.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- food coloring or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, and mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add flour: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together.
- Shape and bake: Divide the dough if tinting with food coloring. Load the dough into a cookie press fitted with your desired disc. Press cookies onto an ungreased baking sheet, decorate with sprinkles if desired. Bake for 7–9 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool and store: Let cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
Notes:
- For best results, do not chill the dough before pressing.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
