Name: Spritz Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3.5 cups all-purpose flour; 1.5 teaspoons baking powder; 1.5 cups salted butter, softened (3 sticks); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 2 tablespoons whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; Gel food coloring; Rainbow nonpareils, sprinkles, red hot candies, or other toppings

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There is nothing quite as charming or satisfying as a batch of perfectly shaped, buttery Spritz Cookies fresh from the oven. This Spritz Cookies Recipe captures the essence of classic holiday baking with its tender texture, subtle vanilla and almond flavors, and endless possibilities for festive colors and toppings. These cookies are a true crowd-pleaser, combining simplicity and elegance in one delightful treat that’s perfect for celebrations or just sweet moments shared with loved ones.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. On the left, a large clear bowl holds white all-purpose flour with a slightly uneven surface. To the right top, there are three pale yellow salted butter sticks stacked, each wrapped and labeled clearly. Below the flour, a small clear bowl contains white whole milk, and next to it, a small clear bowl with white baking powder. In the center sits a single white egg. Below the egg, a small glass container with amber vanilla extract and an empty small clear bowl labeled almond extract are placed. To the right, a large clear bowl filled with white granulated sugar is positioned near a colorful package of food coloring tubes showing red, yellow, green, and blue cupcakes on the box. The whole setup is neatly organized, bright, and well-lit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of Spritz Cookies comes from a handful of simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect tender bite, delicate crumb, and delightful flavor that make these cookies so memorable.

All-purpose flour: Acts as the sturdy foundation, providing just the right amount of structure without making the cookies tough.

Baking powder: A pinch of leavening to ensure your cookies lift ever so slightly, giving them a soft, light texture.
Salted butter (softened): Brings rich buttery flavor and ensures smooth, creamy dough that presses beautifully.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies while helping create that delicate crumb and light texture.

Egg (room temperature): Adds moisture and acts as a binding agent for the dough.
Whole milk: Enhances tenderness and helps keep the dough soft enough to press.
Vanilla extract: Provides classic warm, sweet perfume that gently flavors every bite.

Almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty note that beautifully complements the butter and vanilla.
Gel food coloring (optional): For a festive pop of color that lets you customize your cookies seasonally or for any occasion.
Sprinkles, rainbow nonpareils, or candies (optional toppings): Adds a fun finishing touch and bursts of texture and color on top.

How to Make Spritz Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This simple first step is crucial for ensuring your cookies bake evenly and develop that just-right light golden edge.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 2 minutes on medium speed. You'll want the mixture to become airy and fluffy because that airiness is key to a light cookie texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Next, add the egg, whole milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract to your creamed mixture. Continue mixing on medium speed for 2 minutes until all the flavors blend smoothly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add 2 cups of the flour first and mix on low to medium speed for about a minute, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Then add the remaining 1.5 cups of flour along with the baking powder, mixing until everything comes together into a soft dough.

Step 5: Color the Dough (Optional)

If you'd like to add some color, divide your dough into separate bowls. Add 2-3 drops of gel food coloring to each bowl and mix until evenly tinted. You can get creative with different shades or keep some dough plain for contrast.

Step 6: Load the Cookie Press

Unlike many cookie doughs that need chilling, this dough must stay soft and at room temperature to flow smoothly through your cookie press. Assemble your press with your favorite disk shape following the manufacturer’s instructions, then fill it with dough.

Step 7: Press Cookies onto Pan

Press the dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet using your cookie press. It’s important to use an ungreased pan—no parchment paper or foil—so the dough sticks when you pull the press away. Place cookies about 1.5 inches apart; these cookies don’t spread much, so you can fit plenty on each sheet. If you want, sprinkle toppings now for a festive look.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies on the center rack of your preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes. Look for edges that just start to turn a light golden color, then remove and let cool briefly on the baking sheet.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Use a spatula to carefully transfer your cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. This step helps them firm up perfectly and keeps that tender crumb intact.

How to Serve Spritz Cookies Recipe

The image shows a wooden board full of small cookies shaped like Christmas trees and snowflakes, all on a white marbled surface. The Christmas tree cookies are light green with rounded layers that create a bumpy texture, topped with multicolored round sprinkles in the center. The snowflake cookies are white with six or eight points; some have a bright red dot in the middle, while others are decorated with multicolored sprinkles or green sugar crystals in the center. The cookies are arranged closely together, covering most of the board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Spritz cookies are a blank canvas for creativity. Try decorating with colorful sprinkles, nonpareils, or festive sugar crystals just before baking. For a twist, press a small red hot candy into the center or add a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk. For holiday spreads, they complement fruitcakes, fudge, or any nutty desserts you might serve alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them neatly in a festive tin or arrange them on a pretty platter with sprigs of holly or citrus slices. You can also thread a ribbon around a stack for a charming gift presentation or pack them in cellophane bags tied with a colorful bow for party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Spritz cookies keep their charm for days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and tender, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends without any loss of flavor or texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your baked Spritz Cookies in layers separated by parchment paper inside a sealed container or freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge—no need to reheat, they taste fantastic as is!

Reheating

If you prefer your spritz cookies slightly warm, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. This lightly revitalizes their buttery aroma and soft texture without making them crumbly or dry.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter in this Spritz Cookies Recipe?

Yes, salted butter works well here and adds a nice depth of flavor, but if you prefer more control over the saltiness, you can use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt yourself.

Do I have to use a cookie press for spritz cookies?

The cookie press is traditional for making those iconic shapes, but if you don’t have one, you can pipe the dough through a piping bag fitted with a large star tip for a similar effect.

Why shouldn’t I chill the dough before pressing?

This Spritz Cookies Recipe calls for soft, room temperature dough because chilling it makes the dough too stiff to flow properly through the press, which can lead to uneven shapes or difficulty forming cookies.

Can I substitute almond extract with something else?

While almond extract adds a lovely nutty nuance, if you’re allergic or prefer not to use it, you can simply omit it or add a bit more vanilla extract without compromising the cookie’s classic flavor.

What type of pan is best for baking spritz cookies?

Use an ungreased, bare metal cookie sheet—no nonstick coating, parchment, or foil. The dough needs to adhere to the pan slightly when pressed, so this helps keep each cookie’s shape crisp and distinct.

Final Thoughts

Sharing a batch of these delicate, buttery delights is always a joy, and this Spritz Cookies Recipe is one you’ll want to return to again and again. Whether for holidays, special occasions, or just a cozy afternoon, these cookies bring a comforting sweetness and a festive touch to every bite. Grab your cookie press and make your kitchen smell like happiness today!

Spritz Cookies Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need