My Favorite Spritz Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Spritz cookies are classic buttery treats known for their delicate texture and beautiful designs. Made with a simple dough pressed into decorative shapes, they’re perfect for any holiday or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 and 1/3 cups (291g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: gel food coloring, sprinkles, chocolate chips, and melted chocolate for decorating
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 2 or 3 large baking sheets with silicone baking mats or use nonstick baking sheets without liners. Avoid parchment paper as the dough will not adhere well. For best results, chill the lined baking sheets while preheating.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until smooth, about 3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, then beat on high speed until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Step 3: On low speed, gradually add the flour and salt. Then increase the speed to high and beat until the dough is fully combined.
- Step 4: Fit your cookie press with the desired decorative plate. Fill the press with dough and press cookies onto the cold lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. If using sprinkles, brush the cookie shapes lightly with water to help them stick. You may also press a chocolate chip into the center of each cookie.
- Step 5: If the dough becomes too soft to work with, chill the shaped cookies in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before baking.
- Step 6: Bake the cookies for 7–9 minutes, or until they are very lightly browned around the edges.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle with melted chocolate if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Chilling the baking sheets before pressing the dough helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents sticking.
- For a colorful twist, add gel food coloring to the dough before pressing.
- Decorate with sprinkles or gently press in chocolate chips for variety and extra flavor.
- Use almond extract sparingly if sensitive to its flavor, or substitute with more vanilla extract for a different profile.
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep sprinkles crisp, avoid refrigeration. Warm slightly before serving if drizzled with chocolate to restore softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use parchment paper instead of silicone mats?
Parchment paper is not recommended because the dough from the cookie press doesn’t stick well to it, which can cause the cookies to lose shape during pressing.
What if my cookie dough is too soft while pressing?
If the dough becomes too soft and difficult to work with, chill the shaped cookies in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before baking to help them hold their form.
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My Favorite Spritz Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in the classic buttery goodness of My Favorite Spritz Cookies, tender and perfect for any festive occasion. These delicate cookies are flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, shaped beautifully using a cookie press, and can be decorated with sprinkles or chocolate for extra charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 and 1/3 cups (291g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Decorations
- Gel food coloring
- Sprinkles
- Chocolate chips
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking your spritz cookies.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line 2 or 3 large baking sheets with silicone baking mats or use nonstick baking sheets without liners. Chill these lined sheets if possible to help the dough stick better when pressed.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment until smooth, about 3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts, and beat on high speed until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the bowl and beat again if needed.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: On low speed, add the flour and salt gradually, then increase to high speed and beat until fully combined, forming a consistent dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Fit your cookie press with a decorative plate according to the manufacturer’s directions. Fill the press with dough and hold it perpendicular to the cold, lined baking sheets. Press out cookies about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Optionally, brush shapes lightly with water and decorate with sprinkles or press a chocolate chip in the center.
- Chill if Necessary: If the dough softens during shaping, refrigerate the shaped dough on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking to maintain shape.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven until the edges are very lightly browned, about 7–9 minutes.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: If desired, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted chocolate for an elegant finish.
- Store: Keep cookies fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Notes
- Do not use parchment paper for the baking sheets as the pressed dough won’t adhere well.
- Chilling the baking sheets helps the dough stick better when pressed.
- Lightly brushing the dough with water before adding sprinkles improves decoration adherence.
- If the dough becomes too soft to handle, chilling the shaped dough before baking helps maintain the cookie shapes.
- Cookies can be decorated with gel food coloring for tinted dough or drizzled with melted chocolate after baking.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Spritz Cookies, Butter Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Cookie Press, Almond Extract, Vanilla Cookies
