Spritz cookies are these delightful little buttery treats that melt in your mouth with each bite. They’re known for their perfectly soft texture and delicate, crisp edges, often shaped into charming patterns using a cookie press. These cookies are lightly sweet and come with just a hint of vanilla or almond, making them truly timeless and perfect for any occasion.
I love making spritz cookies because they’re so much fun to shape and decorate. Using a cookie press feels a bit like playing with a tasty craft project in the kitchen! I usually sprinkle a few colored sugar crystals on top before baking to add a little sparkle and extra crunch, which always gets compliments from family and friends. For me, the best part is how simple they are to make with just a handful of ingredients that I usually have on hand.
Spritz cookies are my go-to during the holidays, but really, they’re good year-round. I like to package them up in cute tins or bags when sharing with neighbors or friends. They hold their shape so well and stay fresh for days, making them excellent for gifting or just having around to snack on with a cup of tea or coffee. These cookies always bring a little smile, no matter when you enjoy them.
Bake, Serve, Wear the Vibe 👕
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the salt level. Make sure it’s soft but not melted for the best texture. You can swap for margarine, but the flavor and texture might be less rich.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works well for that classic sweet crunch. You can try superfine sugar for a smoother dough or powdered sugar for a softer bite.
Egg: The egg helps bind the dough and adds richness. For egg-free, try 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer.
Vanilla & Almond Extracts: Vanilla extract adds warmth, while almond gives a lovely nutty note. Use just one or omit almond for a simpler taste.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard here. For a gluten-free alternative, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Food Coloring: Use gel-based colors for vibrant hues without thinning your dough. Natural color alternatives like beet juice or matcha powder work, but can change the flavor slightly.
How Do You Get the Perfect Shape and Texture with Spritz Cookies?
Using a cookie press or piping bag is key to giving spritz cookies their classic shapes. Here’s how to do it well:
- Make sure your dough is soft enough to push through easily but not too soft that it loses shape.
- If the dough feels stiff, sit it at room temperature for a bit or gently knead before loading into the press.
- Press the dough firmly onto parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between cookies as they don’t spread much.
- Work quickly so the dough stays soft and easy to shape.
- Bake just until edges start to turn golden to keep the cookies tender inside.
With these tips, your cookies will have neat, pretty edges and a perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cookie press – This tool shapes the dough into the classic spritz cookie designs easily.
- Piping bag with large star or flower tip – A great alternative if you don’t have a cookie press and still want pretty shapes.
- Baking sheets – Use sturdy, rimmed sheets to hold your cookies while baking without warping.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – Prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly.
- Mixing bowls – You’ll need these to mix the dough and separate for different colors if you want.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – Makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth for perfect dough texture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap almond extract for lemon or orange zest – Adds a fresh, bright twist that pairs well with the buttery base.
- Mix in finely chopped pistachios or toasted coconut flakes – Offers a nice crunch and flavor boost.
- Stir in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top – For a sweet, chocolatey touch.
- Use cocoa powder in part of the flour – Makes chocolate spritz cookies that are rich and delicious.
How to Make Spritz Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 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 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional for Coloring and Decorating:
- Food coloring (red, green, blue) – for colored cookies
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 8–10 minutes to bake each batch. Cooling and decorating may add another 10 minutes. Overall, you’ll spend roughly 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Making the Dough:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring gently just until combined.
3. Coloring the Dough (Optional):
If you want colorful cookies, divide the dough into separate bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each. Mix gently until the colors are even.
4. Shaping the Cookies:
Fill a cookie press or a piping bag fitted with a star or flower tip with the dough. Press or pipe the dough onto your prepared baking sheets into fun shapes like flowers or trees. Leave a small space between each cookie.
5. Decorating and Baking:
Sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles lightly over the tops. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges start to turn golden, being careful not to overbake so the cookies stay soft.
6. Cooling and Storing:
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Enjoy your beautiful, buttery spritz cookies — perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for Spritz Cookies?
It’s best to use softened, but not melted, butter for spritz cookies. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then let it sit at room temperature until soft enough to beat easily.
How Do I Store Spritz Cookies to Keep Them Fresh?
Store spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to one week. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help keep them soft.
Can I Make Spritz Cookie Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape the cookies, and refrigerate or freeze them before baking. If refrigerated, bake within 24 hours. For freezing, freeze shaped cookies on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have a Cookie Press?
A piping bag fitted with a large star or flower tip works perfectly as a substitute. You can also use a plastic bag with a small corner cut off, but the shapes might be less detailed.
