There is nothing quite as charming and timeless as a batch of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth Spritz Cookies. This Spritz Cookies Recipe is a delightful blend of simple ingredients that come together to create those classic pressed cookies everyone loves, especially around the holidays. Each bite offers a perfect balance of crisp edges and tender centers, with just a whisper of vanilla and almond, making these cookies a joy to bake and even more joyful to share with friends and family. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma and to decorate these beauties exactly how you like!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of your Spritz Cookies Recipe. Together they create that signature buttery richness and delicate crumb that make these cookies so irresistible.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The foundation of flavor and softness, softened for easy creaming with sugar.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the light, fluffy texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together while adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm and familiar sweetness that rounds out the flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Provides that signature nutty note that’s classic to spritz cookies.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookie—just enough for tender yet sturdy shapes.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the cookie’s flavors.
- Colored sugar or sprinkles (optional): For that festive sparkle and added fun in decorating.
How to Make Spritz Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process takes about 3 to 5 minutes and sets the stage for a tender and airy cookie texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, add the egg along with the vanilla and almond extracts to the creamed mixture. Beat these ingredients until they are fully combined, infusing your dough with aromatic, inviting hints that make spritz cookies so special.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring just until the dough holds together. It’s crucial here not to overmix to keep your cookies tender. The dough should be soft but firm enough to hold its shape when pressed.
Step 4: Shape Your Cookies
Load your dough into a cookie press fitted with your favorite disc shape—this is where your creativity can really shine. Press the dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing cookies about 1 inch apart to allow room for a little spreading. If you want extra festive flair, sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top before baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Just Golden
Bake the cookies for 7 to 9 minutes, watching closely for the edges to turn just golden. This slight color change signals perfect doneness, ensuring the cookies are crisp on the edges but still tender inside. Allow them to cool on the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Spritz Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While classic Spritz Cookies are beautiful on their own, nothing beats adding a personal touch with garnishes. Colored sugar crystals add a shimmering effect, while small sprinkles bring a pop of color and extra crunch. For holidays, crushed peppermint or edible glitter can also elevate their charm.
Side Dishes
These cookies are a versatile treat and pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee to balance the sweetness. Fruity hot chocolate or a glass of cold milk are also comforting companions that turn your cookie snack into a mini celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Spritz Cookies on a festive platter adorned with fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or evergreen branches gives a cozy, seasonal touch. Stack them in colorful tins or wrap in clear bags tied with ribbons for charming gifts that friends and neighbors will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your freshly baked Spritz Cookies will keep their classic taste and perfect texture for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This simple storage tips ensures they remain crisp and delicious without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your cookies later, freezing is a great option. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a sealed bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months and can thaw easily at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive the freshly baked warmth of your spritz cookies after storage or freezing, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-4 minutes. This will refresh their crisp edges and buttery softness without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is key to achieving that rich flavor and tender texture in a Spritz Cookies Recipe, so margarine is not recommended. It can alter the taste and cookie consistency significantly.
Do I have to use a cookie press?
While the cookie press is traditional and gives the cookies their signature shape, you can shape the dough with a piping bag fitted with a star tip if you don’t have a press. Just keep the dough soft enough to pipe easily.
Can I substitute vanilla or almond extract?
Absolutely! Some bakers love to add a hint of lemon or peppermint extract instead of almond for a fresh twist. Just use the same amount and enjoy how the flavor transforms your Spritz Cookies Recipe.
Why shouldn’t I chill the dough before pressing?
This dough needs to be soft to flow through the cookie press smoothly, so chilling can make it too stiff. Use it right after mixing for the best shapes and texture.
How can I make my spritz cookies more colorful?
Using colored sugars or sprinkles before baking is an easy way to brighten up your cookies. You can also dye small batches of the dough different colors before pressing to create festive multi-colored assortments.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about baking and sharing these delicate, buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe that has been cherished through generations. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a thoughtful gift, or simply to treat yourself, these cookies bring smiles and sweet moments every time. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes your new favorite tradition to bake again and again.
Print
Spritz Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 4 dozen cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spritz Cookies are classic German-American holiday treats made with a tender butter dough pressed into delicate shapes using a cookie press. These easy-to-make cookies are buttery, slightly sweet, and perfect for festive occasions, with an option to decorate with colored sugar or sprinkles for added cheer.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Decoration (Optional)
- Colored sugar or sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature before baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until the dough is uniform and well combined, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Prepare the Cookie Press: Load the dough into a cookie press fitted with your preferred disc shape for decorative cookie designs.
- Press Cookies onto Baking Sheet: Press the dough directly onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Decorate: Optionally, sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top of the cookies for festive decoration.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown, indicating they’re perfectly baked.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Do not chill the dough before using the cookie press to ensure smooth pressing and maintain shape integrity.
- For a flavor variation, substitute almond extract with lemon or peppermint extract.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container.
