Spritz cookies are those delightful little buttery treats that melt in your mouth and bring a touch of festive cheer to any occasion. They’re made from a simple dough that’s pressed through a cookie press to create beautiful, fancy shapes—think stars, wreaths, and flowers—that almost look too pretty to eat. The texture is tender and crisp, with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of vanilla or almond flavor that always makes me smile.
I love making spritz cookies because the process feels a bit like crafting tiny works of art. Using the cookie press is fun and kind of addictive, especially when you get to choose different shapes and add colorful sprinkles on top. I always find that these cookies disappear fast, and it’s no wonder why—they’re light, flavorful, and just the right size for snacking. I also like that you can make them ahead of time and store them in a tin; they stay good for days which makes holiday gatherings and parties so much easier.
Whenever I bake spritz cookies, it reminds me of cozy winter afternoons spent with family, chatting and sipping hot cocoa while the oven fills the kitchen with that warm, buttery aroma. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of tea. If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both charming and delicious, spritz cookies are a wonderful choice that always bring a little joy to the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter is best here because it gives you control over salt levels. For a dairy-free option, try vegan butter sticks—they work well and keep the texture tender.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds crispness. If you want a more delicate texture, you could swap half for superfine sugar. Brown sugar isn’t a good substitute here because it changes taste and texture.
Vanilla or Almond Extract: Vanilla is classic and warm, while almond extract gives a lovely nutty hint. You can use either, or mix both for a unique flavor twist.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard. For gluten-free needs, a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour mix can work, but the shapes may be a bit less defined.
Colored Sanding Sugar & Food Coloring: These add festive color and sparkle. You can skip them if you prefer plain cookies or use natural colorings like beet or matcha powder for a subtle effect.
How Can I Get Perfect, Sharp Shapes with a Cookie Press?
Using a cookie press can feel tricky at first, but these tips help:
- Chill the dough slightly if it’s too soft. It should be firm but easy to press.
- Fill the cookie press fully, avoiding air bubbles that can break shapes.
- Press straight down on a flat baking sheet and release before lifting the press.
- Space cookies about 1 inch apart because they don’t spread much while baking.
- If shapes start to lose detail, refrigerate the dough again and wipe your press clean.
With a little practice, you’ll have nicely shaped cookies that bake up crisp and cute every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cookie press – this tool shapes the dough into pretty patterns quickly and easily.
- Baking sheets – use flat, rimmed sheets for even baking and easy cookie removal.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevent sticking and help cookies bake evenly.
- Electric mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar smooth and fast.
- Cooling rack – lets your cookies cool completely without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Almond extract instead of vanilla – adds a nutty, sweet twist perfect for holidays.
- Sprinkle colored sanding sugar or nonpareils on top – for extra sparkle and fun.
- Mix in finely chopped dried cranberries or cherries – for a fruity pop inside the cookies.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest – gives a fresh, citrusy note that brightens the flavor.
How to Make 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 (or almond extract for variation)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Colored sanding sugar (red, green, or others) for decorating (optional)
- Food coloring (optional, to dye dough parts for color variation)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare plus 8-10 minutes to bake each batch. You’ll spend time creaming the butter and sugar, mixing the dough, shaping the cookies with a press, and baking. The total time depends on the number of batches you make, but it’s a quick and fun baking project!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats so the cookies don’t stick.
2. Make the Dough:
Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then beat in the egg and your choice of vanilla or almond extract until smooth. In another bowl, whisk the flour and salt together. Gradually add this to the butter mixture on low speed, mixing until the dough comes together. If it feels too soft, chill it a bit to help it hold shapes well.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
If you want colorful cookies, you can divide the dough and add food coloring now. Fit your cookie press with a decorative disk, fill it with dough, and press shapes onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 1 inch apart. Sprinkle colored sanding sugar on top if you like. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cookie edges just start to turn golden.
4. Cool and Store:
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes so they don’t break, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store your spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll stay fresh for several days.
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour for Spritz Cookies?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour blend if needed. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly different and the shapes may not come out as sharp.
How Should I Store Spritz Cookies to Keep Them Fresh?
Store your spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to a week. If you want them crispier, place a slice of bread in the container to absorb moisture.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before pressing and baking. Let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using to make it easier to press.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have a Cookie Press?
If you don’t have a cookie press, you can pipe the dough using a piping bag fitted with a star or flower tip to get similar shapes, or simply roll and cut the dough with small cookie cutters.
