If you adore charming bite-sized treats that practically melt on your tongue, Spritz Cookies are sure to steal your heart. With their delicate crumb, buttery flavor, and whimsical shapes, these classic cookies have been a festive staple for generations. Whether you’re dusting them with colored sprinkles or letting their golden edges shine, Spritz Cookies are a joyful, customizable treat that’s almost as much fun to make as it is to nibble. Gather your cookie press and let’s bake up a batch that’ll make any occasion sparkle!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of spritz cookies lies in their simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, each ingredient plays a star role in building a cookie that’s tender, flavorful, and oh-so-pretty.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy yet delicate base, giving each cookie its signature structure while letting them hold their intricate shapes.
- Baking powder: A small boost ensures the cookies puff up slightly, keeping the texture light and not dense.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and beautifully balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened: The heart of spritz cookies! Butter delivers richness and gives that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture—don’t skimp here.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and ensures crisp but not crunchy cookies.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder and helps create just the right dough consistency for pressing into shapes.
- Pure vanilla extract: Lends warmth and depth of flavor to the dough.
- Almond extract: A hint of almond makes the cookies irresistibly fragrant and special (feel free to adjust to taste).
- Colored sprinkles (optional): For festive flair and a pop of color, use your favorites—try nonpareils or sparkling sugars for fun effects.
How to Make Spritz Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Tools
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal, or, if you’re using a cookie press, you can simply leave your baking sheets bare—this helps the dough stick and hold its cute shape. Gather all your ingredients and your trusty cookie press.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures everything is evenly incorporated and prevents any lumps from sneaking into your dough.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture turns fluffy and pale. Don’t rush this step—creaming really sets the stage for delicate, airy spritz cookies.
Step 4: Add Egg and Flavorings
Now, beat in the egg, pure vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is beautifully smooth and fragrant. This infusion of flavor is what gives these cookies their signature personality.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low (or by hand) just until everything is combined. The dough should be soft, but not overly sticky—perfect for pressing.
Step 6: Press and Decorate
Spoon the dough into your cookie press, following the manufacturer’s directions. Press cookies directly onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Now’s your chance for creative flair—top with colored sprinkles if you like!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake each batch for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. This short baking time keeps spritz cookies tender. Let them cool for a couple of minutes on the sheet before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Prepare for the hardest part: waiting until they’re cool enough to sample!
How to Serve Spritz Cookies
Garnishes
Classic colored sprinkles are always a festive choice for spritz cookies, but you can also try drizzling melted chocolate or dusting with powdered sugar for a sophisticated finish. A light brush of edible shimmer can make them extra fancy for special events.
Side Dishes
These delicate cookies are wonderful solo, but truly shine when served with a cup of tea, a mug of hot cocoa, or alongside a bowl of fresh berries. On a cookie platter, arrange them with chocolate-dipped treats or nutty shortbreads for an irresistible spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, stack spritz cookies in clear treat bags tied with ribbon, or nestle them in a decorative tin layered with parchment. If you’ve made multiple shapes and colors, arrange them in concentric circles on a platter for instant holiday cheer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Spritz cookies will keep wonderfully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week. Layer them with wax paper to protect their pretty shapes and ensure they stay tender and fresh.
Freezing
If you want to get a jump on holiday baking, spritz cookies freeze very well. Simply stack them gently (with paper between layers), seal in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
No need to reheat—these delightful cookies are at their best freshly baked or at room temperature. If you want to freshen them after freezing, just let them come to room temp uncovered for a crisp bite.
FAQs
Can I make spritz cookies without a cookie press?
Absolutely! While a cookie press creates those iconic shapes, you can also form the dough into small balls and flatten them with a fork or the bottom of a glass. The taste and texture will still be deliciously buttery.
Why did my spritz cookies spread or lose their shape?
The most common culprit is dough that’s too warm or baking sheets that are greased. Make sure your dough is firm and your baking sheets are cool and ungreased for crisp, defined shapes.
Can I tint the dough for different colors?
Yes! Add a drop or two of food coloring to the dough before pressing for vibrant, festive cookies. Try dividing the dough and using several colors for an extra-festive effect.
How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the cookie press?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid over-mixing the dough. If you’re still struggling, chill the dough slightly; just don’t let it get too firm, or it won’t press easily.
Can I swap out the almond extract?
Certainly! If you prefer, replace the almond extract with more vanilla, or experiment with citrus zest for a fun twist. Almond extract adds a traditional flavor, but there’s room to make it your own.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving some kitchen magic, give these spritz cookies a try—the buttery flavor, charming shapes, and endless customization make them nothing short of delightful. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, an afternoon treat, or just because, you’ll find yourself reaching for this nostalgic recipe again and again. Happy baking!
Print
Spritz Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 48 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These buttery Spritz Cookies are a classic holiday treat that’s perfect for any festive occasion. With a hint of almond and vanilla, these delicate cookies are easy to make and fun to decorate.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Additional:
- Colored sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or leave ungreased if using a cookie press.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Combine and press: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fill a cookie press and press cookies onto the baking sheets.
- Decorate and bake: Decorate with colored sprinkles if desired and bake for 7-9 minutes until edges are barely golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Spritz cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- You can tint the dough with food coloring for festive shapes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
