Spritz Cookies Recipe

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

Spritz cookies are a delightful and easy treat to make, perfect for holidays or any special occasion. With a cookie press and just a few simple ingredients, these buttery cookies come together quickly without the need for dough chilling.

You’ll love the buttery almond flavor and the fun of decorating them with different shapes and sprinkles. They freeze well, making them a great make-ahead option. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, spritz cookies are a fantastic addition to your recipe collection.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Spritz cookies are simple yet delightful. Here’s what you need:

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  Butter: 1 cup. Use unsalted butter for best results. If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but reduce the added salt in the recipe.

  
  
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  Sugar: 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. You can substitute with a fine granular sugar, but avoid powdered or brown sugar as they change the texture.

  
  
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  Egg: 1 large egg. Works as a binder. If you’re out of eggs, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).

  
  
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  Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Adds flavor. If you like a twist, try almond extract instead.

  
  
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  Flour: 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour. This gives the cookies structure. Gluten-free flour blends can be used for a gluten-free version.

  
  
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  Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon. Helps cookies rise slightly. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for best results.

  
  
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  Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Enhances flavors. If you’re using salted butter, you might want to skip this.

  
  

Consider adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of colored sugar for decoration after baking. The simple ingredients make these cookies easy to whip up anytime.

Instructions

1. 
   

   Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   
   
2. 
   

   Prepare Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, mix together 2 1/4 cups of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.

   
   
3. 
   

   Beat Butter and Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter and 2/3 cup sugar until light and fluffy.

   
   
4. 
   

   Add Wet Ingredients
   Mix in one egg, 1 tablespoon of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract.

   
   
5. 
   

   Combine Mixtures
   Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Beat until everything is well combined.

   
   
6. 
   

   Prepare Cookie Press
   Fill your cookie press with the dough. Use your favorite shapes to press cookies onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

   
   
7. 
   

   Bake
   Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake for 7-9 minutes, until the cookie edges are lightly browned.

   
   
8. 
   

   Cool
   Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

   
   
9. 
   

   Optional Decoration
   Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies, if desired.

   
   

Pro Tip: Cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Tips

• Creaming Butter and Sugar: Mix butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
• Egg Temperature: Use room temperature eggs. They mix better with other ingredients.
• Cookie Press: Different models vary. Always pull the plunger to the top before filling.

Tricks

• Consistent Shapes: Practice pressing cookies onto an ungreased cookie sheet to get the right shape.
• Chilled Dough: If the dough is too soft, chill it for 15-20 minutes. This makes it easier to press.
• Flour Amount: Measure flour correctly. Too much can make the cookies dry.

Storing

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies. For dough, wrap tightly in plastic wrap. For cookies, layer between parchment paper.
• Thawing: Thaw dough in the fridge before pressing, and thaw cookies at room temperature.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

There are many ways to make spritz cookies unique. You can add different flavors, toppings, and decorations.

Variations:

• Almond Spritz: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to your dough.
• Gingerbread Spritz: Mix in ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
• Chocolate Drizzled: Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies.
• Colored Sugar: Sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking.

Serving Suggestions:

• Holiday Parties: Serve your spritz cookies on a festive platter.
• Gift Boxes: Pack them in a cute box with a ribbon.
• Cookie Exchange: Bring different variations to share with friends.
• Tea Time: Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

Here is a simple table to visualize some of the ideas:

Variation	Flavor Added	Topping/Decoration
Almond Spritz	Almond Extract	None
Gingerbread Spritz	Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves	None
Chocolate Drizzled	None	Melted Chocolate
Colored Sugar	None	Colored Sugar