Sally Thompson
These classic spritz cookies are a must-have for any celebration or holiday gathering. Light, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, they’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Made with simple ingredients and topped with colorful sprinkles, these cookies bring joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a party, a gift, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home, spritz cookies are a timeless favorite that everyone loves.
The Charm of Spritz Cookies
Spritz cookies are known for their tender, buttery texture and their iconic, beautifully pressed shapes. The recipe is simple yet versatile, allowing you to customize the cookies with different flavors, colors, or decorations. These cookies are perfect for adding a festive touch to your dessert table, and their delicate texture makes them practically irresistible.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner looking to try your hand at cookie-making, spritz cookies are wonderfully easy to prepare and a joy to share. Grab your cookie press and get ready to create a batch of these delightful little treats!
Ingredients and How to Make Spritz Cookies
These buttery spritz cookies require just a handful of pantry staples and come together quickly for a delightful batch of festive treats. Here’s what you’ll need and how to make them:
Ingredients for Spritz Cookies
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect spritz cookie—light, crisp, and buttery.
- Unsalted Butter – 1 cup (2 sticks) softened to room temperature. Butter provides the rich, tender base for these cookies.
- Granulated Sugar – 2/3 cup to lightly sweeten the cookies without overpowering their buttery flavor.
- Egg – 1 large egg to bind the dough and give the cookies structure.
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon for a classic, aromatic flavor. You can also substitute with almond extract for a different twist.
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 cups, sifted. The flour gives the cookies their structure while keeping them light and delicate.
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- Sprinkles or Nonpareils – As needed for decoration. These add a festive and colorful touch to the cookies.
How to Make Spritz Cookies
Follow these easy steps to create a batch of stunning spritz cookies.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the sifted flour and salt, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft and smooth, but not sticky.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased if you prefer a crispier cookie base.
Step 3: Load the Cookie Press
Transfer the dough to a cookie press fitted with your desired design plate. Press the cookies directly onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 4: Decorate
Sprinkle each cookie with colorful nonpareils or sprinkles for a festive touch.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies tender.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
Baking Tips and Storage for Perfect Spritz Cookies
Spritz cookies are quick and easy to make, but a few extra tips and tricks can take your cookies to the next level. Here’s everything you need to know about baking, storing, and customizing your spritz cookies.
How Long to Bake Spritz Cookies
Getting the timing right is key to achieving that perfect, tender texture. Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake:
- Small Spritz Cookies – Bake for 6-8 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Medium Spritz Cookies – Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Large Spritz Cookies – Bake for 10-12 minutes.
You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and just starting to turn golden. Avoid overbaking to ensure they stay soft and buttery.
How to Store Spritz Cookies
Storing your cookies properly will keep them fresh and delicious for days:
- Room Temperature – Store spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Refrigerator – If you want them to last longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer – For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips for Perfect Spritz Cookies
Here are some helpful hints to ensure your cookies turn out just right every time:
- Softened Butter is Key – Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth dough that presses easily through the cookie press.
- No Greased Baking Sheets – Avoid greasing your baking sheets; spritz cookies need a clean surface to stick to when pressing.
- Chill the Dough if Needed – If your dough is too soft to hold its shape, chill it for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Experiment with Flavors – Add a splash of almond, lemon, or orange extract to the dough for a fun flavor twist.
- Decorate Before Baking – Add sprinkles or nonpareils before baking so they adhere to the dough as it bakes.
Enjoy your buttery, perfectly baked spritz cookies!
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Soft and Buttery Spritz Cookies
- Total Time: 10 minute
- Yield: 40–50 cookies 1x
Description
These soft and buttery spritz cookies are a classic treat perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients, these tender cookies are pressed into beautiful shapes and topped with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a party, or just a cozy afternoon, these cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract for variation)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Sprinkles or nonpareils for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or leaving them ungreased.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually incorporate the sifted flour and salt, mixing on low speed until the dough is soft and smooth.
- Transfer the dough to a cookie press fitted with your desired design plate. Press the cookies directly onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Decorate the cookies with sprinkles or nonpareils as desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a flavor variation, substitute almond or lemon extract for the vanilla.
- Chill the dough for 10-15 minutes if it’s too soft to hold its shape.
- To freeze, place baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag once frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch