Spritz cookies are a classic treat, crisp and buttery with a little sparkle of sweetness. These tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies often come in fun shapes and designs thanks to a cookie press, which makes baking them a playful experience. The hint of vanilla or almond extract adds that perfect cozy flavor that reminds me of the holidays.
I love making spritz cookies because they’re simple but feel special. Using a cookie press means you get those pretty swirls and patterns that look like you spent way longer decorating than you actually did. It’s one of my favorite ways to bring a bit of charm and a homemade touch to cookie gifts or festive plates.
These cookies are great on their own with a cup of coffee or milk, but I also enjoy adding a few colorful sprinkles or dipping half in chocolate for some extra fun. Whenever I make them, I think about how they always bring people together—whether it’s holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just a cozy evening at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: This is the star of spritz cookies, giving them that rich, tender texture. Use unsalted butter so you control the salt level. If needed, margarine can work, but the flavor won’t be as rich.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps cookies hold their shape. You can swap some or all for superfine sugar for a smoother texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour is best here. It provides the right structure. For a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend—texture might be slightly different but still tasty.
Vanilla or Almond Extract: These add warmth to the cookies’ flavor. Almond extract gives a nice nutty twist. You could try lemon or orange zest as a fresh alternative.
Colored sanding sugar: This adds sparkle and charm! If you don’t have colored sugar, plain sugar or sprinkles work too and add fun texture.
How Do You Get Those Perfect Cookie Shapes With a Cookie Press?
Using a cookie press can be tricky at first, but here’s how to nail the shapes:
- Make sure your dough is the right consistency—not too soft or stiff. It should be smooth enough to press out easily but firm enough to hold its shape.
- Fill the cookie press tightly with dough, smoothing out any air pockets for even pressing.
- Hold the press perpendicular to the baking sheet and press firmly to release each cookie.
- Lift the press straight up to preserve the cookie’s shape; don’t slide it sideways.
- Practice one or two test cookies to adjust pressure and get comfortable with the tool.
- If you don’t have a cookie press, a piping bag with a large fluted tip works well for similar shapes.
Following these tips will help you create those pretty, fun shapes easily, just like in the photo. It’s all about gentle, steady pressure and good dough consistency!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cookie press – makes shaping the dough easy and creates the pretty, classic spritz patterns.
- Baking sheets – flat, rimmed sheets give the cookies room to bake evenly without sliding.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevent sticking and help you lift the cookies off easily.
- Mixing bowls – handy for creaming butter and sugar, plus mixing dry ingredients separately.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quicker and smoother.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap vanilla for almond extract – it adds a lovely nutty twist that pairs well with the buttery dough.
- Add lemon or orange zest – brightens the flavor and gives a fresh, citrusy note to the cookies.
- Mix in finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds – adds a bit of crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Sprinkle with colored sanding sugar or dip half the cookie in melted chocolate for a fun, festive touch.
Spritz Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Colored sanding sugar (red, green, yellow, or any colors you like), for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 8-10 minutes for baking each batch. You’ll also want to allow a few minutes for cooling before enjoying or decorating further. Overall, plan for around 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish depending on how many cookies you make.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Your Oven and Baking Sheets Ready:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so the cookies won’t stick and you can easily remove them once baked.
2. Mix the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy — about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Flavor:
Beat in the egg and vanilla (or almond) extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt.
5. Make the Dough:
Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture on low speed, mixing until you have a smooth, uniform dough ready to press or pipe.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Fill a cookie press fitted with a decorative disc, or use a piping bag with a large fluted tip, with the dough. Press or pipe the cookies onto your prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart to give them space to bake without sticking.
7. Add a Festive Sparkle:
Before baking, sprinkle the cookies generously with your chosen colored sanding sugar for a fun, sparkly look.
8. Bake and Cool:
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges just begin to turn a light golden color. Let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Repeat to Finish:
Continue pressing or piping remaining dough, changing discs if you like to make different shapes, and bake until all the dough is used.
10. Store and Enjoy:
Keep your spritz cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay delicious for up to one week.
Can I Use Frozen Butter for Spritz Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter for spritz cookies to get a smooth dough that presses easily. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then let it sit at room temperature until soft but not melted.
How Do I Store Spritz Cookies to Keep Them Fresh?
Store your spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crisp for up to one week. Avoid refrigerating, as this can make them lose their delicate texture.
Can I Substitute Almond Extract for Vanilla Extract?
Absolutely! Almond extract adds a lovely nutty flavor that complements the buttery dough beautifully. You can also mix both for a subtle twist or try citrus zest for a fresh variation.
What If I Don’t Have a Cookie Press?
No worries! Use a piping bag with a large fluted or star tip to pipe similar shapes onto your baking sheet. Alternatively, roll the dough into balls and flatten slightly for simple butter cookies.
