The Perfect Classic Spritz Cookies Recipe for Holiday Magic

Classic spritz cookies dance across holiday plates with delicate, golden-edged charm.

Crisp edges and tender centers invite playful nibbling and nostalgic memories.

German bakers perfected these delightful morsels generations ago, using simple ingredients and intricate cookie presses.

Butter provides rich, mellow undertones that melt softly on eager tongues.

Decorative shapes emerge from carefully crafted dough, turning ordinary baking into an artistic adventure.

Delicate sprinkle embellishments add whimsical sparkle to each unique cookie creation.

You’ll want to gather friends and share these delectable treats that bring warmth and joy to any celebration.

What Makes Spritz Cookies a Holiday Favorite

• These spritz cookies require minimal ingredients and simple steps, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Easily customize with food coloring and sprinkles, turning cookie-making into a fun family activity that sparks joy and creativity.
• Bake these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies in just minutes, ideal for holiday gatherings, gifts, or unexpected sweet cravings.
• The cookie press allows you to create beautiful, intricate shapes that look professionally made with zero fancy techniques needed.

Ingredients for Buttery Spritz Cookie Dough

• Butter: Rich base that provides tender texture and classic flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour, Salt: Structural foundation with balanced seasoning.

• Granulated Sugar, Egg, Vanilla Extract, Food Coloring (Optional), Sprinkles (Optional): Sweet base, binding agent, deep flavor, color variation, and decorative touch.

Step-by-Step for Making the Best Spritz Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Workspace

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Clear a clean workspace and grab your cookie press.

No need to grease the baking sheets – the butter in the dough will prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip together softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light.

The goal is to create a smooth, airy base for your cookies.

Step 3: Add Moisture and Flavor

Introduce an egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture.

Blend thoroughly until all ingredients are perfectly combined and the texture is consistent.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Salt

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 5: Customize Cookie Dough

Optional: Divide the dough and add food coloring for festive, colorful spritz cookies.

Mix colors gently to create a vibrant palette.

Step 6: Shape Delicate Cookies

Load the cookie press with dough.

Press cookies onto ungreased baking sheets, creating intricate shapes.

Sprinkle decorative toppings if desired.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven.

Bake for 6-8 minutes until cookie edges are set but not browned.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes.

Transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Store in an airtight container and enjoy your homemade treats!

Tips for Perfect Shape and Texture

• Let butter soften at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure smooth, even mixing without over-beating.
• Clean and dry the cookie press thoroughly between batches to prevent dough from sticking and maintain crisp cookie shapes.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant, consistent colors that won't alter the dough's texture or moisture content.
• Refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes before pressing if the mixture feels too soft, which helps maintain intricate cookie designs.
• Keep spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Keeping Spritz Cookies Fresh and Tasty

• Store cooled spritz cookies in an airtight container layered between parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent crumbling.
• Pack cookies flat in freezer-safe containers with wax paper between layers. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Place in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Enjoy within 3-4 days for best taste and texture. Keep in a cool, dry spot to prevent softening.
• Warm gently in the oven at 275°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness. Alternatively, let cookies sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to regain original texture.

What to Enjoy with Classic Spritz Cookies

• Pair Sweet Sparkling Moscato: Delicate, light-bodied white wine with subtle sweetness perfectly complements the buttery, delicate spritz cookies, enhancing their rich vanilla and butter notes.
• Match Creamy Vanilla Latte: Smooth, warm coffee drink with velvety vanilla undertones creates a harmonious flavor experience alongside the crisp, delicate texture of spritz cookies.
• Create Hot Spiced Apple Cider: Warm, aromatic beverage with gentle cinnamon and apple hints beautifully balances the crisp, buttery cookie, offering a cozy winter-inspired pairing.
• Enjoy Chilled Almond Milk: Smooth, subtle nutty drink provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery spritz cookies, cleansing the palate with each sip.

Creative Spins on Traditional Spritz Cookies

• Gluten-Free Spritz: Swap wheat flour with a blend of rice flour and almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic buttery texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine to create a plant-based cookie that's equally crisp and delicious.
• Chocolate Drizzled Spritz: After cooling, dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts for an elegant upgrade.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener and reduce the overall sugar content while keeping the cookie's signature crumbly texture.

FAQs

• What are spritz cookies originally from?

Spritz cookies originated in Germany, traditionally made during Christmas using a special cookie press to create intricate shapes.

• Can I make spritz cookies without a cookie press?

No, a cookie press is essential for creating the classic spritz cookie shape and texture. Hand-shaping won’t achieve the same delicate, detailed design.

• How do I prevent my spritz cookies from breaking when pressing?

Ensure your dough is at the right temperature – too cold and it won’t press easily, too warm and the cookies won’t hold their shape. Let dough sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before pressing.

• Why did my spritz cookies spread or lose their shape?

This usually happens if the butter is too soft or the dough is overmixed. Use butter straight from the refrigerator and mix ingredients just until combined to maintain the cookie’s intricate design.

Classic Spritz Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful classic spritz cookies bring festive cheer with their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich butter flavor. Baked with love, these traditional treats promise to sweeten holiday moments and spark joy on your dessert table.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or almond extract)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Decorative Ingredients:

• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles or sanding sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, ensuring a precise temperature for perfect cookie texture.
2. Cream butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth foundation for the cookies.
3. Introduce the egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to develop a rich, cohesive base.
4. Sift flour and salt in a separate container, then gently fold into the butter mixture, mixing minimally to maintain a delicate consistency.
5. For vibrant presentation, divide the dough and incorporate food coloring, creating a palette of festive hues.
6. Load the cookie press with the prepared dough, carefully extrude intricate shapes directly onto an ungreased baking sheet.
7. Embellish with sprinkles for additional visual appeal and texture, if desired.
8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, baking for 6-8 minutes until the cookie edges achieve a delicate, set appearance without browning.
9. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for two minutes, enabling them to firm up slightly.
10. Transfer the delicate spritz cookies to a wire cooling rack, permitting complete cooling and maintaining their elegant shape.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, even mixing and perfect cookie texture.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense cookies that lack the classic spritz cookie’s delicate crumb.
• For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 116
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 31 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg