Spritz cookies are buttery, tender little treats that melt in your mouth. These classic cookies are made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour, then pressed into pretty shapes using a cookie press. The result is a delightful mix of crisp edges and soft centers, often sprinkled with colored sugar or decorated with a touch of icing.
I love making spritz cookies because they’re so fun to shape and decorate. Using the cookie press feels like a little kitchen adventure, and you can get creative with all the different designs. It’s one of those recipes that brings out the kid in me, and I always find myself sneaking a few right off the baking sheet.
These cookies are perfect for sharing around the holidays or for a simple, sweet snack anytime. I usually enjoy them with a cup of tea or milk, and they pair wonderfully with other treats on a dessert tray. Plus, they keep well, so they’re great for gifting or making ahead for a cozy get-together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Butter is the star in spritz cookies, giving them rich flavor and tender texture. Use unsalted so you can control salt. For dairy-free, try vegan butter, but the taste changes slightly.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps cookies hold their shape. You can swap for superfine sugar if you want a smoother texture.
Egg: The egg binds the dough and adds moisture. If you’re vegan, use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) but dough consistency may differ.
Flour: All-purpose flour is best for structure. Avoid using cake flour or bread flour, as they change texture. To make gluten-free, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Extracts: Vanilla gives a classic flavor, almond adds a lovely twist. You can skip almond extract or try lemon for a fresh note.
Food Coloring & Decorations: Gel food coloring works well for bright colors without thinning dough. Colored sanding sugar or sprinkles add fun sparkle and crunch.
How Can You Get Perfect Shapes with a Cookie Press?
Using a cookie press can feel tricky, but a few tips help you get pretty shapes every time:
- Make sure your dough is soft enough to press easily but not runny. If too stiff, it won’t shape; if too soft, it will spread.
- Chill the dough for about 30 minutes if it feels too warm or sticky before pressing.
- Fill the cookie press firmly but avoid overfilling to prevent dough squishing out unevenly.
- Press cookies directly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy removal.
- Press straight down, then lift the press straight up—twisting or sliding can distort the shape.
- Work quickly but gently to keep dough cool, especially in warm kitchens.
- If your cookie press areas get clogged, clean it and reload before continuing.
With a little practice, pressing out even patterns becomes quick and fun. You’ll enjoy making festive designs in minutes!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cookie press – this makes shaping spritz cookies quick and easy with pretty designs every time.
- Baking sheets – you’ll need these lined with parchment paper to bake the cookies without sticking.
- Mixing bowls – for creaming butter and sugar and for mixing dry ingredients separately.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – helps cream the butter and sugar until fluffy for the best texture.
- Parchment paper – keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try adding 1 teaspoon lemon zest for a fresh, bright twist to the classic vanilla flavor.
- Swap almond extract with orange extract for a citrusy touch that pairs well with colored sanding sugar.
- Mix in finely chopped pistachios or toasted coconut flakes into the dough for a pleasant crunch and flavor.
- Use mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on baked cookies for extra sweetness and contrast.
How to Make Spritz Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Food coloring (red, green, blue, or colors of choice)
- Colored sanding sugar or sprinkles for decorating
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, another 8-10 minutes to bake, and about 5 minutes to cool on the baking sheet. Total active time is around 30 minutes, plus extra time if you want to chill your dough or divide it for different colors.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the cookies from sticking and make cleanup nice and easy.
2. Make the Dough:
Using a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a mixer or by hand until the mix feels light and fluffy — this usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. Next, beat in the egg along with the vanilla and almond extracts until everything blends smoothly.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; your dough should come together smoothly but stay soft and a bit firm.
4. Color and Shape:
If you want colorful cookies, split the dough into portions and stir in a few drops of food coloring into each. Fit your cookie press with the desired shape disk, fill it with one colored dough at a time, and press onto your lined baking sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie for baking.
5. Decorate and Bake:
Sprinkle the cookie tops lightly with your colored sanding sugar or sprinkles for an extra festive touch. Then bake them in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn a soft golden color.
6. Cool and Store:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool right on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes to firm up. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat the shaping, decorating, and baking process with any remaining dough. Store your delightful spritz cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Can I Use Frozen Butter for Spritz Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter for spritz cookies to get the right texture. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bring it to room temperature before creaming with sugar.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before pressing and baking for easier shaping.
How Should I Store Spritz Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze baked cookies for longer storage—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
What If I Don’t Have a Cookie Press?
If you don’t have a cookie press, you can roll the dough into small balls, flatten them slightly with a fork, or pipe the dough using a piping bag fitted with a star tip for similar shapes.
