Spritz cookies are classic, buttery little treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat. These tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies usually come in charming shapes made with a cookie press, from festive stars to pretty flowers. With a hint of vanilla or almond, each bite feels light and delicate, perfect for sharing during the holidays or any special occasion.
I love baking spritz cookies because they bring back memories of family gatherings and cozy kitchens filled with laughter. One of my favorite parts is choosing the shapes and adding a bit of colored sugar or sprinkles for a cheerful touch. These cookies are simple but feel extra special because of the way they look and melt softly on your tongue.
When I serve spritz cookies, I like to pair them with a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate. They’re great for cookie exchanges or just having a little sweet moment anytime you want. If you ever try making your own, a helpful tip is to keep the dough cool so it presses out nicely and holds the shape while baking—it really makes a difference!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best because you control the salt. It gives spritz cookies their classic rich, tender texture. If you want a dairy-free version, try vegan butter, but the texture might be slightly different.
Sugar: Granulated sugar creates a nice crunch and sweetness. You can replace it with superfine sugar to help it dissolve better if you like a smoother texture.
Egg: The egg binds the dough and adds moisture. For an egg-free option, try a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) but expect a slightly different texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure. Using a bit of cake flour can make the cookies more tender, but stick mostly to all-purpose for the right balance.
Extracts: Vanilla is classic, but almond extract gives a lovely, nutty twist. You can even mix both for extra flavor.
Food Coloring and Decorations: Gel or paste food coloring works best for vibrant colors without thinning the dough. Colored sugars add sparkle, but you can also skip them for simple buttery cookies.
How Do You Get Perfect Shaped Spritz Cookies? Tips for Using a Cookie Press
The cookie press shapes the dough into beautiful designs. Here’s how to make it easy and successful:
- Keep your dough chilled but soft enough to press—too warm and it’ll be sticky; too cold and it won’t come out smoothly.
- Fill the press firmly with dough to avoid air pockets that can cause shapes to break.
- Press down evenly and straight onto a parchment-lined baking sheet for crisp, defined shapes.
- Don’t overlap cookies—leave about 1 to 2 inches between shapes as they spread slightly.
- Clean the disc and press if dough starts to clog the design for the best detail.
- Decorate immediately after pressing with colored sugar or sprinkles so they stick during baking.
With these tips, your cookies will hold their shape beautifully and be ready to impress!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cookie press – This tool shapes the dough into pretty patterns easily and quickly.
- Mixing bowls – You’ll need these for creaming butter and mixing dry ingredients separately.
- Electric mixer – Speeds up creaming butter with sugar and blending the dough smoothly.
- Baking sheets – Flat sheets give your cookies plenty of space to bake evenly without sticking.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – Prevents cookies from sticking and helps cleanup.
- Cooling rack – Lets your cookies cool evenly so they keep their shape and texture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap vanilla extract for almond extract – This gives a lovely nutty flavor that’s classic for spritz cookies.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest – Adds bright citrus notes for a fresh twist.
- Mix in finely chopped pistachios or colored sugar crystals – Adds texture and festive color.
- Use cocoa powder in part of the flour – Makes chocolate spritz cookies for a rich flavor variation.
How to Make 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 almond flavor)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Colored sanding sugar or sprinkles, for decorating (optional)
- Edible gold or colored sugar pearls for centers (optional)
- Food coloring (red, green, blue) for colored cookies (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 8-10 minutes to bake each batch. Cooling time adds about 5-10 minutes, so plan around 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
3. Color the Dough (Optional):
If you’d like colorful cookies, divide the dough into separate bowls. Knead in a few drops of food coloring until evenly colored.
4. Shape the Cookies:
Fit your cookie press with the desired shaping disk. Fill the press with dough and press shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1-2 inches space between each cookie.
5. Decorate and Bake:
Lightly sprinkle colored sanding sugar on top of the cookies, and place a small edible sugar pearl in the center of flower shapes if you like. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges begin to turn golden but the tops stay pale.
6. Cool and Store:
Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Store your spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Enjoy your buttery, tender spritz cookies — perfect for sharing during the holidays or any special moment!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for Spritz Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter for easy mixing and smooth dough. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight and let it come to room temperature before starting.
How Do I Store Spritz Cookies to Keep Them Fresh?
Store your spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Can I Make Spritz Cookies Without a Cookie Press?
While a cookie press makes shaping easier, you can also use a piping bag fitted with a large decorative tip to pipe shapes onto the baking sheet.
How Can I Add Color to My Spritz Cookies?
Divide the dough and knead in a few drops of gel or paste food coloring to avoid thinning the dough. Avoid liquid colorings as they can make the dough too soft.
