Classic Spritz Cookies: Buttery, Festive, and Irresistible

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The holidays wouldn’t be the same without a batch of classic spritz cookies. These delicate, buttery cookies are a staple in my kitchen every December, bringing back childhood memories of baking with family. Their light, crisp texture and melt-in-your-mouth goodness make them an absolute must for any holiday cookie platter. Plus, with their beautiful shapes and festive sprinkles, they make the perfect edible gift.

I love how easy and versatile these cookies are—no rolling or cutting required! All you need is a cookie press to create intricate designs in just minutes. From classic stars and snowflakes to cheerful Christmas trees, these cookies can be customized with different colors and sprinkles to match the season. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just craving a nostalgic treat, spritz cookies are a simple yet stunning addition to your festive traditions.

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Why You’ll Love This Spritz Cookies Recipe

• Easy to Make: No rolling or cutting—just press and bake!
• Buttery and Delicious: A rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s irresistible.
• Perfect for the Holidays: Beautifully shaped cookies that make great gifts and party treats.
• Customizable: Change the colors, flavors, and decorations to match any occasion.
• Makes a Big Batch: One recipe yields plenty of cookies to share and enjoy.

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What Kind of Cookie Press Should I Use?

A good cookie press is the key to making perfect spritz cookies. I recommend using a sturdy, high-quality press with easy-to-change discs for different shapes. Manual presses give you more control over the dough, while electric ones make the process quicker. If you’re new to using a cookie press, practice a few presses on parchment paper before starting—this helps you get the right pressure and consistency.

If you don’t have a cookie press, don’t worry! You can use a piping bag with a large star tip to create beautiful shapes. While they may not be as intricate as press designs, they’ll still turn out festive and delicious.

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Options for Substitutions

Spritz cookies are simple, but you can tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some great substitution ideas:

• Butter: While real butter gives the best flavor, you can use margarine or plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but if you need a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Sugar: Swap out granulated sugar for powdered sugar for a slightly softer texture.
• Flavoring: Vanilla extract is classic, but almond, lemon, or peppermint extract adds a fun twist.
• Food Coloring: If you want colorful cookies, add gel food coloring to the dough for vibrant hues.
• Decorations: Traditional sprinkles work great, but you can also use crushed peppermint, sanding sugar, or mini chocolate chips.

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Ingredients for This Spritz Cookies Recipe

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating the perfect buttery, crisp, and flavorful cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Butter – The heart of spritz cookies! It gives them a rich, buttery flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness without making the cookies too soft.
• Egg – Helps bind the dough together while keeping the cookies light and tender.
• Vanilla Extract – A classic choice for flavor, but you can swap it with almond or peppermint extract for variety.
• All-Purpose Flour – The base of the dough, providing structure while keeping the cookies crisp.
• Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Food Coloring (optional) – For festive cookies, add a few drops of gel food coloring to make them extra special.
• Sprinkles & Decorations – Holiday-themed sprinkles, nonpareils, or sanding sugar make these cookies even more festive.

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Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Properly creaming the butter and sugar helps create a tender cookie with the perfect crispness.

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Step 2: Add the Egg and Flavoring

Mix in the egg, ensuring it’s fully incorporated before adding the vanilla (or your preferred extract). This step helps bind the dough while enhancing the flavor. If you’re using food coloring, add it now and mix until the color is evenly distributed.

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Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies too dense.

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Step 4: Fill the Cookie Press

Spoon the dough into your cookie press, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Choose your desired shape and press the cookies onto an ungreased, unlined baking sheet. The dough sticks better to a plain metal sheet, ensuring the cookies keep their beautiful designs.

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Step 5: Decorate the Cookies

Sprinkle the cookies with holiday sprinkles, colored sugar, or crushed peppermint before baking. Press them in lightly so they adhere to the dough. If you’re making multiple colors, divide the dough and add different food colorings to each portion.

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Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are just set but not browned. Spritz cookies should remain pale to maintain their delicate texture. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

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How Long to Cook Spritz Cookies

Spritz cookies bake quickly, usually in 6 to 8 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Keep a close eye on them, as they should remain light in color with only the edges slightly set. Overbaking can make them too crisp and dry. Since every oven varies, check them around the 6-minute mark to ensure they stay soft yet lightly crisp.

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Tips for Perfect Spritz Cookies

• Use Softened Butter, Not Melted – Room-temperature butter creates the ideal dough consistency. Melted butter will make the dough too soft and difficult to press.
• Don’t Chill the Dough – Unlike other cookie recipes, spritz cookie dough should be used at room temperature to press easily through the cookie press.
• Press Onto an Ungreased Baking Sheet – Lined or greased sheets make the dough slip, preventing proper shaping. The dough needs to grip the sheet to hold its form.
• Hold the Press Firmly Against the Baking Sheet – This helps the dough stick and release cleanly for well-defined shapes.
• Test a Few First – If the dough isn’t pressing properly, you may need to adjust the consistency by adding a little flour if too sticky or a few drops of milk if too stiff.
• Use Gel Food Coloring – If you want to tint your cookies, use gel food coloring instead of liquid to avoid changing the dough’s texture.
• Decorate Before Baking – Sprinkles and sugar will adhere better before baking rather than after.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though spritz cookies are simple to make, a few common mistakes can affect their texture and shape. Here’s what to avoid:

• Using Chilled Dough – Cold dough is too stiff for the cookie press and won’t press out smoothly. Always use room-temperature dough.
• Greasing the Baking Sheet – Spritz cookies need to stick slightly to the baking sheet to hold their shape. A greased or lined pan will cause them to slide and lose definition.
• Overmixing the Dough – Too much mixing can make the cookies tough instead of light and crisp. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Not Pressing Firmly Enough – If the press isn’t firmly against the baking sheet, the dough won’t release properly, resulting in uneven shapes.
• Baking Too Long – These cookies bake quickly! Overbaking makes them dry and brittle. Keep an eye on them and remove them when the edges are just set.
• Skipping the Decorations Before Baking – If you add sprinkles after baking, they won’t stick well. Decorate them before they go in the oven.
• Using Liquid Food Coloring – Too much liquid can alter the dough’s texture. Stick with gel food coloring for vibrant colors without changing consistency.

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What to Serve With Spritz Cookies?

These buttery cookies pair beautifully with a variety of drinks and desserts. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

1. Hot Chocolate

The rich, creamy taste of hot chocolate complements the crisp, buttery texture of spritz cookies.

2. Coffee or Espresso

A strong cup of coffee or a shot of espresso balances the sweetness of these cookies perfectly.

3. Tea

Pair with a warm cup of black tea, chai, or herbal tea for a cozy treat.

4. Ice Cream

Crush a few spritz cookies over vanilla ice cream for added crunch and flavor.

5. Cheesecake

A slice of creamy cheesecake alongside these cookies makes an indulgent holiday dessert.

6. Eggnog

For a festive pairing, enjoy these cookies with a glass of eggnog, spiced or classic.

7. Fruit and Cheese Platter

Add them to a holiday dessert board with fresh fruit and cheese for a balanced bite.

8. Holiday Cookie Platter

Mix and match with other holiday favorites like sugar cookies, gingerbread, and shortbread.

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Storage Instructions

Spritz cookies store well, making them perfect for holiday baking in advance. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerator: While not necessary, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks to keep them extra fresh.
• Freezer (Baked Cookies): Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Freezer (Cookie Dough): You can also freeze the unbaked dough for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw just enough to be pressable, then continue with the recipe as usual.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per cookie (assuming the recipe makes about 50 cookies):

• Calories: 60
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fat: 3.5g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 15mg
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 1g

Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredients and portion size. Adding sprinkles or food coloring will slightly adjust the values.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is my dough too stiff to press?

If your dough is too firm, it may be too cold. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. You can also add a teaspoon of milk to soften it slightly.

2. Why won’t my cookies stick to the baking sheet?

Spritz cookies need a bare, ungreased baking sheet to stick. If you’re using parchment paper or a nonstick pan, try a plain metal sheet instead.

3. Can I make spritz cookies without a cookie press?

Yes! Use a piping bag with a large star tip to create similar shapes. You can also roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly with a fork.

4. Can I add chocolate to the dough?

Absolutely! You can mix in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolate version or dip the baked cookies in melted chocolate for extra flavor.

5. How do I make these cookies crispier?

Bake them for an extra 1-2 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Make sure they cool completely before storing, as trapped moisture can soften them.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe doubles well. Just make sure to work in batches so the dough doesn’t dry out while you’re pressing the cookies.

7. How do I keep my cookies from spreading?

Too much butter or sugar can cause spreading. Stick to the recipe’s ratios, and make sure your oven is properly preheated before baking.

8. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cookies up to a week in advance and store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

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Conclusion

Spritz cookies are a classic holiday treat that are fun to make, easy to customize, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering, gifting them to friends, or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are sure to be a hit.

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