If you’re on the lookout for a timeless treat that brings a burst of flavor and nostalgia with each buttery bite, then you have to try the Best Ribbon Spritz Cookies Recipe. These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies combine the zing of fresh lemon zest with the sweet creaminess of white chocolate and the playful crunch of nonpareils. Perfectly crisp around the edges and tender in the center, these cookies are as much fun to decorate as they are to eat, turning any coffee break or holiday gathering into a joyful celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Best Ribbon Spritz Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, quality ingredients. Each element plays a starring role, whether it’s the creamy texture from the unsalted butter or the fresh citrus punch from the lemon zest. The powdered sugar keeps the sweetness light and smooth, while the vanilla extract adds warmth and depth.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Helps bind everything while adding just the right richness to the dough.
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar (sifted): Provides a delicate sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors with a cozy, aromatic note.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): The key to those irresistibly soft, buttery cookies with perfect spread.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 2.25 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure and stability without weighing the cookies down.
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (freshly grated): Adds a bright, zesty twist that wakes up the palate.
- 12 oz white chocolate (chopped): Melts beautifully into a luscious topping or drizzle that complements the buttery base.
- Assorted nonpareils: For that extra pop of color and festive crunch — the ultimate cherry on top.
How to Make Best Ribbon Spritz Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by creaming the softened butter and powdered sugar together until fluffy and smooth. This step is crucial because it creates the light texture that spritz cookies are known for. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract, followed by the salt and lemon zest. Finally, gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until the dough comes together, smooth but not sticky.
Step 2: Shaping the Cookies
Fit a cookie press with your favorite disk shape, then fill it with the dough. Press the cookies onto an ungreased baking sheet, keeping them about an inch apart. This classic step is such a fun part of the process — you get to watch the beautiful ribbons of dough form with a quick squeeze of the press.
Step 3: Baking to Perfection
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. You want to catch them the moment they turn just golden on the edges for that perfect tender snap. Don’t overbake, or you’ll lose the delicate crumb that makes these cookies so special.
Step 4: Decorating with White Chocolate and Nonpareils
Once the cookies cool, melt the chopped white chocolate gently over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave. Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate over the tops and immediately sprinkle with assorted nonpareils. This not only makes the cookies visually stunning but adds a pleasant texture contrast with every bite.
How to Serve Best Ribbon Spritz Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a delicate sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving. These small touches amplify the fresh, bright notes and give your cookies a bakery-quality look that’s sure to impress guests and family alike.
Side Dishes
Pair your ribbon spritz cookies with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. The buttery sweetness of the cookies complements warm, comforting beverages perfectly, making your snack or dessert time feel extra cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these charming cookies on a festive platter layered with doilies or rustic parchment paper. For special occasions, tie small stacks with colorful ribbon or serve them inside glass jars for a delightful gift idea. Their vibrant nonpareils make them a standout centerpiece anywhere you choose to share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your leftover Best Ribbon Spritz Cookies Recipe fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing, so they don’t sweat and lose their crispness.
Freezing
If you want to prepare a batch ahead of time, these cookies freeze beautifully. Wrap them carefully in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy the freshly baked sensation again, warm the cookies slightly in a low oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back a hint of that just-baked aroma and makes the white chocolate topping irresistibly melty.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Using salted butter will add extra saltiness to the dough, so it’s best to reduce or omit the additional salt called for in the recipe to maintain the perfect flavor balance.
Is it necessary to sift the powdered sugar?
Sifting powdered sugar helps eliminate lumps and ensures a smooth dough, which is especially important for delicate cookies like these to achieve a tender texture.
Can I substitute lemon zest with orange zest?
Absolutely! Orange zest will give a sweeter, citrusy aroma. It’s a lovely variation but will slightly change the bright, zesty profile that lemon imparts.
What if I don’t have a cookie press?
You can use a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle to pipe the dough onto the baking sheet. While it won’t create the classic pressed shapes, the cookies will still taste wonderful.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is at the right temperature (around 70°F) and don’t overmix once the flour is added. Chill the dough slightly if it feels too soft before pressing to keep the shapes intact during baking.
Final Thoughts
If you love a cookie recipe that’s both charming and bursting with flavor, the Best Ribbon Spritz Cookies Recipe is a must-try. Its simple ingredients and delightful preparation make it a wonderful activity to share with family or friends, and the results are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Dive in, have fun with the shapes and decorations, and savor every buttery, lemony bite!
Print
Best Ribbon Spritz Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 24 cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Best Ribbon Spritz Cookies are delicate, buttery, and beautifully decorated with white chocolate and colorful nonpareils. Soft and tender with a hint of lemon zest, these classic spritz cookies make a perfect treat for holidays or any special occasion. The recipe features a simple dough made from butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, piped into charming ribbon shapes and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar (sifted to remove lumps)
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature, about 70°F)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2.25 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur all-purpose flour preferred)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (freshly grated for best flavor)
Decoration
- 12 oz white chocolate (chopped into small pieces for even melting)
- Assorted nonpareils (for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Add salt, lemon zest, and gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Transfer the dough to a cookie press fitted with your choice of decorative disk. Press the dough onto ungreased baking sheets to form ribbon-shaped spritz cookies. Alternatively, use a piping bag with a large star tip to pipe the dough onto the sheets in ribbon shapes.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheets.
- Melt the White Chocolate: Place the chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl and melt it gently using a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Decorate the Cookies: Dip or drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate, then immediately sprinkle assorted nonpareils on top for a festive look. Let the chocolate set completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for best dough consistency.
- Sifting powdered sugar prevents lumps and ensures a smooth dough.
- Use freshly grated lemon zest for the brightest citrus flavor.
- If you don’t have a cookie press, piping the dough with a star tip works equally well.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies to keep them tender and delicate.
