Delight in the festive charm of Spritz Cookies – a holiday classic renowned for their intricate shapes, buttery flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. These small yet sensational treats are incredibly easy to make and decorate, making them the perfect centerpiece for any Christmas cookie platter. While their delicate appearance might suggest complexity, our recipe ensures a straightforward baking experience, delivering delicious and picture-perfect cookies every time.
As the holiday season draws near, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies fills our homes, marking the start of a cherished tradition. Among the many beloved Christmas cookie recipes, Spritz Cookies hold a special place. Their delicate, festive shapes and rich, buttery taste evoke a sense of nostalgic joy that’s simply unmatched. For those looking to expand their holiday cookie repertoire, be sure to also try our delightful Peppermint Kiss Cookies or the cheerful Christmas M&M Cookies for a truly varied and vibrant spread.
Why Spritz Cookies Are a Holiday Must-Have
No holiday cookie platter is truly complete without the addition of these charming Spritz Cookies. Not only are they incredibly cute and visually appealing, but their unique crisp-tender texture and delightful flavor profile offer a wonderful contrast to other chewy or soft cookies. They are the epitome of festive baking, transforming simple ingredients into edible works of art that are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Imagine a beautifully arranged plate featuring these colorful treats alongside some decadent Oreo Balls and gooey Microwave Caramels – a true holiday dream!
This recipe does require a cookie press, an invaluable kitchen tool that opens up a world of creative possibilities for any passionate baker, especially during the Christmas season. If you’re a fan of intricate cookie designs and consistent shapes, a cookie press is a worthwhile investment. However, don’t despair if you don’t own one! We’ll show you how to achieve beautiful results even without this specialized gadget.
The Enchanting History of Spritz Cookies
Spritz cookies, known in German as “Spritzgebäck,” translate literally to “squirted cookies,” a nod to their method of creation using a cookie press. These traditional butter cookies boast a rich heritage, originating in Germany and Scandinavia. They have long been a staple of holiday celebrations across Europe, particularly during Christmas. Their distinctive shapes, often resembling stars, wreaths, trees, or snowflakes, are achieved by pressing dough through decorative plates. This not only makes them visually appealing but also gives them their characteristic light, crisp texture that distinguishes them from other holiday treats. Bringing this tradition into your home adds a layer of cultural charm to your festive baking.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Spritz Cookies
Crafting the perfect Spritz cookie begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the desired buttery flavor and delicate texture.
- Unsalted Butter: The star of these butter cookies! Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the recipe. It’s essential that your butter is at room temperature, but not overly soft or melted. Properly softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air that results in a light, tender cookie.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create that crisp texture. It also contributes to the golden-brown edges of the baked cookies.
- Large Egg: Acts as a binder, adding richness and helping to emulsify the dough. For optimal incorporation, allow your egg to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before mixing.
- Vanilla and Almond Extracts: These extracts are a flavor powerhouse! Vanilla extract offers a classic, comforting sweetness, while almond extract introduces a bright, nutty note that truly elevates the Spritz cookie experience. While we highly recommend the combination, you can certainly use all vanilla extract if almond isn’t your preference.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structural foundation of our cookies. All-purpose flour provides the right balance of gluten to create a dough that’s sturdy enough to hold its shape when pressed, yet still produces a tender cookie.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the cookies, making them taste even more delicious.
- Food Coloring (Optional): For adding a festive splash of color! Gel food coloring is recommended over liquid dyes, as it delivers vibrant hues without altering the consistency of the dough.
- Sprinkles (Optional): A fun and festive addition! Holiday sprinkles add visual appeal and a delightful crunch. Feel free to mix and match different kinds to create unique designs.
How to Master Spritz Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making Spritz cookies is a joyous and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly:
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Begin by creaming together the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl, preferably using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. This step is critical for incorporating air, which contributes to the cookies’ light texture. Beat them together until the mixture is truly light and fluffy, a process that typically takes at least 2 minutes in a stand mixer. Don’t rush this step!
- Add Wet Ingredients: Once the butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, add the large egg and both the vanilla and almond extracts. Continue beating until these wet ingredients are fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth and cohesive mixture.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough cookies. The dough will have a slightly sticky consistency, which is perfectly normal for Spritz.
- Prepare for Pressing: Refer to your cookie press manufacturer’s instructions for the best way to load the dough and select your desired shape disk. Ensure the dough is properly loaded for consistent pressing.
- Press the Cookies: Press the dough directly onto ungreased baking sheets. It’s crucial not to use parchment paper, as the cookies need a surface to stick to initially for the press to work effectively. A silicone baking mat (like a Silpat) is a fantastic alternative if you prefer not to press directly onto metal. Space them as close together as your press allows, as these cookies do not spread much during baking.
- Decorate and Bake: If you plan to add sprinkles, apply them to the dough immediately after pressing and before baking. This helps them adhere better. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven until their edges are just lightly golden. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as they bake quickly!
Pro Tips for Spritz Cookie Perfection
Achieving bakery-quality Spritz cookies is simple with a few insider tips:
- Coloring Your Dough: For vibrant, festive cookies, add a few drops of gel food coloring to the butter and sugar mixture before adding the flour. Gel colors are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way – just a couple of drops are usually sufficient to achieve a beautiful hue. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Decorating for Impact: Sprinkles are best applied to the unbaked dough. For an even better adherence, lightly mist the tops of the pressed cookies with a dedicated food-safe spray bottle filled with a tiny bit of water before sprinkling. Be aware that some sprinkles might “bleed” their color slightly during baking, especially if the dough is very damp. Colored sanding sugar tends to stick more easily and is less prone to bleeding than traditional sprinkles.
- Optimal Spacing: Spritz cookies are known for holding their shape remarkably well, meaning they won’t spread much during baking. This allows you to place them relatively close together on the baking sheet, maximizing your oven space.
- Dough Temperature is Key: If you prepare your dough in advance and refrigerate it, it’s crucial to let it return to room temperature before attempting to use it in your cookie press. Cold dough will be too stiff to press easily and can strain your press or result in misshapen cookies. Allow it to sit out for 30-60 minutes, or until it’s pliable but still cool to the touch.
- The Right Baking Surface: As mentioned, avoid parchment paper for pressing. The slight grip of an ungreased baking sheet or a silicone mat is necessary for the dough to detach cleanly from the press and adhere to the surface.
No Cookie Press? No Problem!
While a cookie press is traditionally used for Spritz cookies and yields those iconic, consistent shapes, you can absolutely make delicious Spritz-style cookies without one! Don’t let the lack of a specialized tool deter you from enjoying these festive treats.
The simplest alternative is to use a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (like an open star or closed star tip). Fill the piping bag with the dough and pipe various shapes directly onto your ungreased baking sheet or silicone mat. You can create rosettes, S-shapes, or small logs. While they may not have the perfect consistency or intricate patterns of a pressed cookie, they will still retain the delightful buttery flavor and crisp texture that defines a Spritz. They’ll be just as delicious, and charmingly rustic!
Spritz Cookie Variations and Serving Suggestions
Part of the joy of Spritz cookies is their versatility. Get creative with these ideas:
- Flavor Boosts: Experiment with different extracts! Orange zest, lemon zest, or even a hint of peppermint extract can add a delightful twist.
- Glazes and Drizzles: After baking and cooling, drizzle your Spritz cookies with melted white chocolate, dark chocolate, or a simple powdered sugar glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
- Nutty Additions: Finely chopped nuts (like pistachios or pecans) can be pressed onto the unbaked cookies for added texture and flavor.
- Serving Ideas: Arrange Spritz cookies on a tiered stand for a stunning holiday display. They also make wonderful homemade gifts when packaged in decorative tins or bags. Don’t forget to include them in your cookie exchange platters!
Storage and Freshness
Spritz cookies are known for their excellent shelf life, making them ideal for holiday baking ahead of time. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks. To maintain their crispness, you can place a slice of bread in the container to absorb excess moisture, just be sure to replace the bread every few days.
For longer storage, Spritz cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
More Irresistible Christmas Cookies
The holiday baking journey is an exciting one, and there’s always room for more delicious treats! If you’ve enjoyed making these Spritz Cookies, you’ll love exploring other festive options to complete your ultimate cookie collection:
- Meringue Cookies – Light as air and delightfully crisp, these delicate cookies add an elegant touch to any holiday spread.
- Peanut Butter Blossoms – A classic for a reason! Soft peanut butter cookies crowned with a chocolate kiss.
- The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe – The perfect canvas for all your creative decorating ideas, offering a tender bite every time.
- Peppermint Snickerdoodles – A festive twist on a beloved cookie, combining warm cinnamon with cool peppermint.
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – Rich, fudgy, and beautiful with their powdered sugar “crinkles,” these are a chocolate lover’s dream.
- Christmas Shortbread Cookies – Simple, buttery, and utterly melt-in-your-mouth, perfect for pairing with a hot cup of tea.
We hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to bake a batch of these enchanting Spritz Cookies and create lasting holiday memories in your kitchen. Happy baking!
LOOKING FOR MORE FREE RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new family friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more family-friendly inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Spritz Cookies
Pin
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- ▢ 3/4 cup sugar
- ▢ 1 egg
- ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ▢ 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ▢ 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (175°C).
- In a large bowl, or using the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until they are light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg and both extracts. Add the flour and salt and mix until the dough just comes together, ensuring not to overmix.
- Use your cookie press according to the manufacturer’s instructions to fill with dough. Press the cookies onto an ungreased baking sheet or a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat (do not use parchment paper, as the cookies will not stick to it when pressed).
- Bake the cookies for about 7-8 minutes, or until they are just lightly browned on the edges.
- *If you wish to color the cookies, add a couple of drops of gel food coloring to the butter and sugar mixture before incorporating the flour.
- *For decorating, sprinkles will adhere better if added before baking. You can lightly mist the cookie tops with a food-safe spray bottle for improved stickiness. Be aware that some sprinkles may bleed color during baking. Colored sugar typically adheres more easily and is less prone to bleeding.