Spritz cookies are buttery little bites that are crisp, tender, and just a bit sweet. These classic cookies are known for their fun shapes, made by pressing the dough through a cookie press to create delicate patterns like stars, wreaths, or flowers. They have a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them a favorite around the holidays or any special occasion.
I love making spritz cookies because the dough comes together quickly and is easy to work with. Using a cookie press makes the whole process feel kind of playful — I find myself getting creative with designs or even making little messages. A little tip from me: chilling the dough before pressing makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shapes perfectly during baking.
These cookies are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, and they also look so pretty when you pile them on a plate to share with friends. I always find that spritz cookies bring back cozy memories of family gatherings and celebrating together, and they’re a sweet way to spread a little joy wherever you serve them.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter helps you control the saltiness. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. If you want dairy-free, try a vegan butter substitute that can hold shape well.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps keep the cookies crisp. You could swap for fine sugar or even a sugar substitute if you prefer, but texture may slightly change.
Egg: The egg binds the dough and adds richness. For an egg-free option, try using a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) but dough may be less firm.
Vanilla & Almond Extracts: Vanilla is a classic flavor here. Almond gives a lovely nutty note if you like. Feel free to skip almond extract or replace it with other extracts like lemon or orange for variety.
Flour & Salt: Standard all-purpose flour works best for sturdy yet tender cookies. Salt enhances all flavors, so don’t skip it. For gluten-free, a 1:1 baking blend might work but expect a different texture.
Food Coloring & Sprinkles: These are purely for fun and color. Use natural food dyes if you want to avoid artificial colors. Sprinkles add a festive touch but aren’t necessary.
How Do You Get Perfect Shapes with a Cookie Press?
Using a cookie press is the secret to those pretty, uniform spritz cookies. Here’s how to make it easier and get great results:
- Chill the Dough: Cold dough presses better and holds its shape. If your dough feels sticky or too soft, pop it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before pressing.
- Fill the Press Correctly: Avoid air bubbles by gently pressing the dough into the tube. Tap the press tube lightly on the counter to settle the dough inside.
- Press Straight Down: Hold the cookie press perpendicular to the baking sheet. Apply steady pressure while slowly moving the press forward to create a full shape.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Cookies: Leave about 1 inch between each cookie so they have room to bake and keep their pattern.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Try a few test cookies first to get the feel. If the cookies lose their shape, chill the dough again or adjust how fast you press.
Following these tips will help your spritz cookies come out looking just right with clean, pretty designs that show off the lovely dough texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cookie press – it shapes the dough into pretty designs quickly and easily.
- Baking sheets – flat and sturdy, they help the cookies bake evenly without spreading.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevent sticking and make cleanup simple.
- Mixing bowls – for creaming butter and mixing dough comfortably.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar smooth and fast.
- Cooling rack – lets your cookies cool properly so they stay crisp.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, fresh twist that wakes up the buttery flavor.
- Mix in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy spice note perfect for fall or winter.
- Swap almond extract for vanilla, or combine both, to change up the cookie’s aroma and taste.
- Press mini chocolate chips or colored sugar into the cookies before baking for extra texture and sweetness.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional for extra flavor)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Food coloring (red and green, optional)
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and around 8-10 minutes of baking per batch. You’ll also want to allow a few minutes for the cookies to cool. Overall, plan for about 30-40 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a quick and fun baking session!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick and cleanup is easy.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until they’re light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Slowly add this mixture to your butter mixture, stirring until the dough just comes together.
4. Color and Shape the Cookies:
If you like, divide the dough into three parts. Leave one plain and use food coloring to tint the others red and green. Mix the colors evenly into each portion. Fill your cookie press with the dough, then press the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 1 inch apart.
5. Decorate and Bake:
Sprinkle colored sugar or fun sprinkles on top if you want a festive look. Bake your cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until their edges just start to turn golden. Be careful not to bake them too long so they stay tender and delicious.
6. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then move them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Now, it’s time to enjoy your buttery, crisp spritz cookies — perfect for sharing or treating yourself!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for Spritz Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter rather than frozen for this recipe since softened butter creams better with sugar, giving your dough the right texture. If your butter is frozen, let it sit at room temperature until soft but not melted.
How Should I Store Spritz Cookies?
Keep your spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Make Spritz Cookies Without a Cookie Press?
Yes! You can shape the dough using a piping bag fitted with a star tip or by rolling small balls and flattening them with a fork for a different look. The cookie press just makes it easier to create the classic shapes.
How Do I Prevent Spritz Cookies from Spreading Too Much?
Chilling the dough before pressing or piping helps the cookies keep their shape. Also, avoid overbaking—remove them from the oven as soon as the edges start to turn golden for the best texture and appearance.
