Spritz cookies are these delightful little buttery treats that melt in your mouth. They’re known for their crisp edges and beautiful shapes, usually made with a cookie press that creates swirls, stars, and other fun designs. The dough is soft and smooth, flavored with vanilla or almond extract, making each bite simple but so satisfying.
I love making spritz cookies during the holidays because they’re as much fun to make as they are to eat. There’s something so relaxing about pressing the dough into perfect shapes right onto the baking sheet, and the smell of butter and vanilla filling the kitchen makes me smile every time. Plus, they’re a great cookie to personalize—sometimes I add a little sprinkle of colored sugar or a tiny chocolate chip on top just for some extra cheer.
These cookies are perfect alongside a cup of tea or coffee or packed in a pretty tin to share with friends and family. I always find that spritz cookies bring people together because their charm is in the details, and that makes them feel special. If you’re looking for a simple, classic cookie that’s both pretty and delicious, I’d definitely give spritz cookies a try.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted, softened butter is key. It gives spritz cookies their rich, tender texture. If you’re out, you can try margarine, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the cookies hold their shape. For a twist, try superfine sugar to get even smoother dough.
Flour: All-purpose flour is best here. It keeps the cookies sturdy enough to hold their shape but soft. If gluten-free is needed, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Extracts: Vanilla is classic, but almond extract adds a lovely nutty note. If you don’t have almond, a little lemon or orange zest could add a fresh flavor.
Colored Sugar: Sanding sugar or sprinkles give great festive color and crunch. If you don’t have colored sugar, plain white sugar works too, or skip sprinkling for simpler cookies.
How Do I Use a Cookie Press to Make Perfect Spritz Cookies?
A cookie press shapes the soft dough into pretty designs and cuts down shaping time. Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure your dough is soft but not too sticky—chill if too soft or warm slightly if too stiff.
- Load the dough firmly into the cookie press cylinder, avoiding air pockets.
- Choose your disc shape and attach it securely.
- Hold the press firmly against your baking sheet and press the handle steadily to release dough.
- Lift the press straight up to keep shapes clean. If dough sticks, gently loosen with a spatula.
- Space cookies to allow room for slight spreading during baking.
I find practicing with a bit of dough helps you get the pressure and speed right. This way, your spritz cookies come out looking neat and festive every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cookie press – essential for shaping the dough into beautiful designs quickly and evenly.
- Baking sheets – use nonstick or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easy.
- Mixing bowls – a large one for creaming butter and sugar, and another to whisk dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer – helps cream butter and sugar until fluffy for the perfect cookie texture.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly so they stay crisp and don’t get soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap almond extract for lemon or orange zest for a bright, citrusy twist that freshens up the classic flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate spritz cookies that still keep their shape.
- Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough for bites of melty chocolate in every cookie.
- Sprinkle the shaped dough with colored sanding sugar or finely chopped nuts before baking for extra texture and a festive touch.
Spritz Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Colored sanding sugar or sprinkles (red, green, gold) for decorating
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 8-10 minutes to bake each batch. Cooling time is around 10-15 minutes. Altogether, you’ll spend roughly 30-40 minutes to make these festive cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Your Oven Ready:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture on low speed, mixing just until you get a smooth dough.
3. Color and Shape the Cookies:
If you want colorful cookies, divide the dough into three parts. Leave one plain and gently knead red and green food coloring into the other two portions.
Load your cookie press with the dough and press shapes like flowers onto the prepared baking sheets. Feel free to use any shapes you like!
4. Add Sparkle and Bake:
Sprinkle your cookies with the colored sanding sugar or sprinkles, focusing in the center for a festive look.
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the edges just start to turn golden.
5. Cool and Enjoy:
Remove the cookies from the oven, and let them cool on a wire rack. Once cool, enjoy the crisp, buttery cookies or store them for later.
Can I Use Butter Substitutes in Spritz Cookies?
Yes, you can use margarine or shortening if you don’t have butter, but the cookies might be less flavorful and slightly different in texture. For best results, stick with unsalted butter.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and store it tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before using in the cookie press.
How Should I Store Spritz Cookies?
Keep your spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay crisp longest this way. If you prefer them softer, add a slice of bread to the container to retain moisture.
Can I Freeze Spritz Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze baked spritz cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
