Spritz Cookies

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Spritz Cookies – Buttery, Delicate & Perfectly Shaped for the Holidays

These classic butter cookies are piped into festive shapes and decorated with sprinkles—perfect for cookie trays, edible gifts, or cozy afternoons with tea.

Introduction: A Timeless Holiday Favorite

Spritz cookies are the kind of treat that instantly evokes holiday cheer. With their delicate texture, buttery flavor, and beautiful shapes, they’re a staple on cookie platters and a favorite for generations. Whether you’re piping stars, rosettes, or snowflakes, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.

This recipe is simple, reliable, and endlessly customizable. Add a touch of almond extract for traditional flavor, decorate with colored sugar, or dip in chocolate for a modern twist. However you make them, they’re guaranteed to bring joy to your festive table.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what makes these cookies so irresistible:

Dry Ingredients:

  • All-purpose flour (2¾ cups)
    Provides structure and a tender crumb.
  • Baking powder (1 tsp)
    Helps the cookies puff slightly and hold their shape.
  • Salt (½ tsp)
    Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

Wet Ingredients:

  • Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened)
    Adds richness and that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Granulated sugar (1 cup)
    Sweetens and helps create a light, crisp edge.
  • Egg (1 large)
    Binds the dough and adds richness.
  • Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
    Adds warmth and classic cookie flavor.
  • Almond extract (½ tsp, optional)
    Adds a traditional nutty note—especially popular in Italian spritz cookies.

Decorations:

  • Colored sugar or sprinkles
    Adds festive flair and crunch.

Optional: Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate or drizzle with icing for extra elegance.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cookie press with shape disks
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:

  • Whisk together 2¾ cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt.

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl:

  • Beat 1 cup softened butter and 1 cup sugar for 3–4 minutes, until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract (if using)

Mix until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.

Mix until fully incorporated.

Tip: Dough should be soft but not sticky—perfect for pressing.

Step 6: Press the Cookies

Fit a cookie press with your desired shape disk.

Fill with dough and press cookies directly onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.

Tip: If dough doesn’t stick to the sheet, chill it briefly or use ungreased pans.

Step 7: Decorate

Sprinkle with colored sugar or festive sprinkles.

Or leave plain to decorate after baking.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 8–10 minutes, until:

  • Edges are lightly golden
  • Centers are set

Cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for:

  • Holiday cookie trays
  • Edible gifts
  • Afternoon tea
  • Cookie exchanges

Pair with:

  • Hot cocoa or mulled wine
  • Coffee or spiced chai
  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream

Presentation Tip: Stack in clear bags tied with ribbon or layer in tins with parchment dividers.

Variations to Try

Want to make them your own? Try these festive twists:

Chocolate Dipped

Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate and top with crushed peppermint.

Lemon Vanilla

Add lemon zest and swap almond extract for extra vanilla.

Hazelnut Dream

Use hazelnut extract and drizzle with Nutella glaze.

Vegan Version

Use plant-based butter and egg replacer.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Make-Ahead: Dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated.
  • Refrigerate: Store baked cookies in airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • Freeze: Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough for up to 2 months.

Tip: Let frozen dough thaw slightly before pressing for best shape retention.

Nutrition Notes (Per Cookie, ~1 of 24)

  • Calories: ~120
  • Protein: ~1g
  • Carbohydrates: ~13g
  • Fat: ~7g
  • Sugar: ~6g
  • Sodium: ~40mg
  • Fiber: ~0.5g

These cookies are:

  • Buttery and delicate
  • Lightly sweet and festive
  • Perfectly portioned
  • Great for sharing

Final Thoughts

These Spritz Cookies are more than just a holiday treat—they’re a celebration of tradition, creativity, and the joy of baking. Whether you’re piping stars or rosettes, decorating with sprinkles or dipping in chocolate, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles and sweet memories.

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