Spritz Cookies are classic, buttery cookies that are easy to make but look so fancy with their fun shapes and sometimes vibrant colors! Perfect for holidays or any occasion, these cookies are as delicious as they are versatile.
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What Are Spritz Cookies?
Spritz cookies are tender, buttery cookies with a slightly crisp edge and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. They get their name from the German word “spritzen,” meaning “to squirt,” because the dough is pressed through a cookie press to create intricate designs. These cookies are known for their light and sweet flavor, with hints of almond or vanilla, making them perfect for decorating with colored dough or festive sprinkles.
The beauty of spritz cookies lies in their simplicity — they’re so quick to prepare and bake, but their customizable shapes and colors make them special. From snowflakes to flowers to wreaths, they’re a favorite during holidays and celebrations.
Ingredients You Need
- Unsalted Butter – Softened butter is absolutely essential for achieving the smooth and creamy texture needed for the dough.
- Granulated Sugar – Regular white sugar provides the perfect amount of sweetness and helps create the cookie’s light, tender crumb.
- Egg – A room-temperature egg blends effortlessly into the dough for even consistency.
- Almond or Vanilla Extract – We love adding almond extract for a slightly nutty flavor, but vanilla works just as well for a classic touch.
- All-Purpose Flour – This gives the cookies structure and helps them hold their beautiful shapes during baking.
- Salt – A tiny pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor.
- Food Coloring (Optional) – Using food coloring is a great way to create colorful designs for holidays or special events to match any theme!
How to Make Spritz Cookies
- Combine Sugar and Butter. Use a stand or hand mixer to blend the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and smooth.
- Incorporate the Egg and Extract. Add the egg and your choice of almond or vanilla extract, beating until everything is fully mixed.
- Combine Flour and Salt. Add the flour and salt to another bowl and whisk them together. Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients while blending until the dough comes together.
- Optional – Add Food Coloring. If you’d like colorful cookies, divide the dough and stir in your chosen food coloring.
- Shape the Cookies. Load your dough into a cookie press with your chosen design disc. Press the cookies directly onto a baking sheet, leaving a small space between them.
- Bake Until Edges Are Set. Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking to ensure their edges remain just lightly golden.
- Cool the Cookies. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet briefly. Then, use a spatula to move them to a cooling rack so that they can come to room temperature.
Variations
- Extract – Use lemon or orange extract for a bright, citrusy flavor. Or, experiment with your own favorites!
- Chocolate – Once baked, dip the edges of the cookies in melted chocolate and let them set for a delicious and pretty finishing touch.
- Sprinkles – Decorate with colorful sprinkles or sanding sugar before baking for a festive look.
- Spices – Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, spiced flavor.
- Gluten-Free – A one-to-one gluten-free flour blend works well for a wheat-free version.
- Natural Colors – Use beet powder, matcha, or turmeric for naturally colored dough.
- Jam – After pressing the cookies, add a small dollop of jam to the center of each design.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Store spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp for up to one week.
Refrigerate baked cookies if your home is very humid, but keep them in an airtight container to maintain their texture. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months or the baked cookies for up to two months — just let them thaw at room temperature before baking or snacking.
Common Questions about Spritz Cookies
One of the most important things is to ensure that you do not grease your baking sheet. If you do, the cookies will spread and not keep their shape. Also, make sure that your dough is close to room temperature.
The term spritz is derived from the German word “spritzen” which translates to “to squirt.” Squirting the cookie dough out of a cookie press is how they’re formed which is what led to their name.
This is one of a few types of cookies that doesn’t need for the dough to be chilled before forming and baking them.
Likely there was too much flour in the dough. Try sieving beforehand and be sure to level off the top of the measuring cup with the flat side of a knife for precise measurement.
More Fun Cookie Recipes
If you loved this spritz cookie recipe, you may be a fan of some of our other absolute favorite cookies!
White Chocolate Biscoff Cookies (Crumbl Copycat)
Date Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Walnuts
Spritz Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Food coloring optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Do not grease your baking sheets; the cookies need to grip the pan to hold their shape.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.1 cup unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and almond (or vanilla) extract until fully combined.1 large egg, 1 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Add Food Coloring, if using (Optional): If using food coloring, divide the dough into portions and mix in the desired colors.Food coloring
- Shape the Cookies: Transfer the dough to a cookie press fitted with your desired disc shape. Press the cookies directly onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake for 6-9 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment
Notes
Decorating Tips
- Before Baking: Sprinkle cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles for added sparkle.
- After Baking: Drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate or glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.Would you like to save this? 🔖
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These are a MUST for my holidays!