Spritz Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Spritz cookies are a classic holiday treat known for their buttery flavor and delicate texture. These festive cookies are easy to decorate and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (Ensure it’s softened, not melted.)
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (Can substitute with maple or bourbon extract.)
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (Omit if using salted butter.)
• Colored sugar or sprinkles, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
3. Step 3: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
6. Step 6: Fill a cookie press with the dough and press cookies onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
7. Step 7: Decorate each cookie with colored sugar or sprinkles as desired.
8. Step 8: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the edges turn golden.
9. Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right dough texture.
• Substitute almond extract with maple or bourbon extract for a different flavor twist.
• If you don’t have a cookie press, you can use a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
• Try mixing in finely chopped nuts or dipping the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, bring to room temperature before serving to preserve their texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but omit the added salt called for in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.

Is a cookie press necessary to make spritz cookies?

While a cookie press gives the classic shape, you can pipe the dough with a piping bag or shape by hand if you don’t have one.

Spritz Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 62 reviews

Spritz Cookies are buttery, tender, and delightfully spiced holiday treats made using a cookie press for classic, festive shapes. Infused with vanilla and almond extract and gently seasoned with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these crisp-edged cookies are perfect for sharing or gifting during the holiday season.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 23-25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (Ensure it’s softened, not melted)
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (Can substitute with maple or bourbon extract)

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (Omit if using salted butter)

For Decoration

• Colored sugar or sprinkles, to taste

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cookies. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or use ungreased baking sheets as specified.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential to incorporate air for a tender cookie texture.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined, ensuring the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and salt.
5. Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing to form a smooth and cohesive dough suitable for pressing.
6. Shape Cookies: Fill a cookie press with the dough and press cookies onto ungreased baking sheets, placing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
7. Decorate: Sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles over each cookie to add festive color and texture before baking.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown, indicating they are perfectly crisp.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for several minutes to firm up, then transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for the best cookie texture.
• If using salted butter, omit the added salt in the dry ingredients.
• You can substitute almond extract with maple or bourbon extract for different flavor profiles.
• Spacing cookies about 1 inch apart prevents them from sticking together during baking.
• Use a cookie press for traditional spritz cookie shapes and consistent size.
• For crispier cookies, bake closer to 10 minutes; for softer edges, reduce baking time slightly.

Keywords: Spritz cookies, holiday cookies, butter cookies, cookie press cookies, spiced cookies, vanilla almond cookies