Spritz cookies are little buttery delights that melt in your mouth with a tender, crumbly texture. These classic cookies are often shaped into pretty patterns using a cookie press, making them as fun to make as they are to eat. With just the right balance of sweetness and rich buttery flavor, they bring a simple joy to any cookie platter.
I love making spritz cookies during the holidays because they fill the kitchen with the warm, comforting smell of butter and vanilla. Using a cookie press feels a bit like crafting little edible ornaments, and I enjoy experimenting with different shapes and colors. A helpful tip is to keep the dough cool so it presses easily and holds its shape perfectly.
These cookies are wonderful for sharing with friends and family or gifting in decorative tins. I’ve always found that people appreciate their delicate texture and charming appearance, making spritz cookies a beloved tradition in my home year after year. They’re perfect with a cup of tea or milk, and I find myself reaching for just one more every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter is best because you control the salt level. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming and smooth dough. If dairy-free, try vegan butter sticks for a similar texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar helps the cookies hold their shape and sparkle with a slight crunch. You can swap with fine sugar or even add a pinch of powdered sugar for a softer bite.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the classic tender yet sturdy texture. For a gluten-free version, mix a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, but the dough might be a bit more delicate.
Egg: Adds moisture and binding. If you need an egg substitute, try unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) but expect a slightly different texture.
Food Coloring: Optional but fun to brighten the cookies. Gel food coloring works best to avoid thinning the dough.
How Do You Get the Perfect Shape with a Cookie Press?
Using a cookie press is the key to those beautiful spritz cookie designs. Here’s how to make it easy:
- Keep the dough cold but soft enough to press. If it’s too warm, the shapes won’t hold; if too cold, it will be hard to press.
- Don’t overfill the press—pack the dough gently but firmly.
- Press straight down and release slowly to keep the design intact.
- Sprinkle sugar on top right after pressing for sparkle without disturbing the shapes.
- Practice on a piece of parchment to get a feel for the pressure needed.
With patience and practice, your spritz cookies will be uniform, detailed, and ready to impress.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cookie press – makes shaping the dough into pretty patterns quick and easy.
- Electric mixer – helps cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy for the best texture.
- Baking sheets – flat and sturdy for even baking and perfect cookie shape.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevent sticking and make cleanup simple.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add lemon or orange zest for a fresh, bright twist that pairs perfectly with the buttery base.
- Mix in a teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty, fragrant flavor.
- Sprinkle colored sanding sugar or mini nonpareils on top before baking for fun texture and color.
- Fold in finely chopped nuts like pecans or pistachios if you want a little crunch inside your cookies.
How to Make Spritz Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for decorating
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Food coloring (red, green, yellow, or colors of choice) optional
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare plus 8-10 minutes baking time per batch. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing the dough, pressing out the cookies, and then simply let them bake until the edges turn golden. Cooling takes about another 10 minutes before they’re ready to enjoy or store.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare for Baking:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to keep the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy — about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until everything is combined.
In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until everything is incorporated.
3. Color and Shape the Cookies:
If you want to make colorful cookies, divide the dough into small bowls and stir in a few drops of food coloring for each. Fit your cookie press with the decorative disk you like and fill it with dough. Press the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle some extra sugar on top to add a sparkly finish.
4. Bake and Cool:
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until their edges just start to turn a lovely golden color. Take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cool, store your beautiful spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy your charming, buttery treats that are perfect for celebrations or any day you want a little sweet joy!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for Spritz Cookies?
It’s best to use softened, room-temperature butter for spritz cookies to ensure the dough creams properly and presses easily. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
Can I Make Spritz Cookies Without a Cookie Press?
Yes! If you don’t have a cookie press, you can roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly with a fork or the bottom of a glass to create a simple pattern. The texture will be the same, but the shapes won’t be as decorative.
How Should I Store Spritz Cookies?
Store your spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a sealed container for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Add Flavors or Colors to the Dough?
Absolutely! Adding food coloring is easy and fun to create colorful cookies. You can also experiment with extracts like almond, lemon, or orange zest to add unique flavors to the buttery dough.
