Spritz cookies are these little buttery, crisp treats that melt in your mouth and are perfect for almost any occasion. They’re made from a simple dough that gets shaped through a cookie press or piping bag, creating fun and festive designs—usually little flowers, stars, or wreaths. The texture is wonderfully tender, and they have just the right amount of sweetness to make them a crowd favorite.
I love making spritz cookies around the holidays because the decorating step always feels special. Adding a sprinkle of colored sugar or tiny nonpareils before baking makes them shine, and they instantly bring a cheerful vibe to the kitchen. The dough is easy to work with, which means you don’t need to be an expert baker to make them look nice—just a little patience and some creativity.
My favorite way to enjoy spritz cookies is with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon. They’re not too rich, so you can happily snack on a few without feeling too guilty. I think what makes them so popular is how charming and classic they are—they remind me of cozy family gatherings where everyone shares sweet treats and good laughs.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Butter is the heart of spritz cookies, giving them their tender, rich flavor. Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt. If you need a dairy-free option, try a firm vegan butter, but keep in mind it might change the texture slightly.
Sugar: Granulated sugar helps the cookies get a light crispness. You can swap with fine cane sugar or superfine sugar if you have it, which dissolves nicely and keeps the texture smooth.
Egg: The egg binds the dough and adds moisture. If you’re allergic or vegan, a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer can work, but the dough might be a bit less firm for pressing.
Vanilla & Almond Extracts: These extracts add lovely aroma and flavor. You can skip the almond if you prefer or substitute with another flavor like lemon or orange zest for variety.
Flour: All-purpose flour is key for structure. If you try whole wheat flour, expect denser cookies. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but results may vary slightly.
Colored Sugar: Sprinkles or sanding sugar add fun colors and sparkle before baking. If you want a natural color boost, try finely chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon sugar instead.
How Do I Get Perfect Shapes with a Cookie Press?
A cookie press helps shape the dough into pretty designs. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Make sure your dough is the right consistency—not too soft or too firm. It should easily squeeze out but hold its shape.
- Chill the dough slightly if it’s too soft; warm dough will be hard to press cleanly.
- Keep the press perpendicular to the baking sheet and press firmly and evenly to create crisp shapes.
- Work quickly to press shapes onto the baking sheet, then decorate with colored sugar before baking.
- If you don’t have a cookie press, use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe shaped cookies, or roll dough and cut with cookie cutters.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cookie press – it shapes the dough into pretty designs quickly and easily.
- Baking sheets – flat sheets with edges keep your cookies in place while baking.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Electric mixer – helps cream butter and sugar until nice and fluffy.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need a couple for combining ingredients smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap almond extract for lemon or orange zest to brighten up the flavor.
- Stir in mini chocolate chips before pressing for a chocolate twist.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy touch.
- Top cookies with tiny sprinkles or crushed nuts instead of colored sugar for extra texture.
Spritz Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Colored sugar or sanding sugar for decorating (red, green, orange, or any colors you like)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 8-10 minutes to bake each batch. Allow a few minutes for cooling before serving. It’s quick and perfect for any day you want a tasty batch of festive cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until it’s nice and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it, then beat again until it’s all blended smoothly.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and salt together. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies tender and light.
3. Shaping and Baking the Cookies:
Fill a cookie press fitted with your favorite decorative plate, or use a piping bag with a large star tip, with the dough. Press or pipe beautiful flower or festive shapes onto your prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle colored sanding sugar gently over the shapes for a festive touch.
Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just start turning golden. Don’t overbake to keep them crisp but tender inside. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, enjoy your colorful spritz cookies with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for Spritz Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter at room temperature for easy mixing and proper dough texture. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or leave it on the counter for about an hour until soft but not melted.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 2 days. Let it soften slightly before pressing or piping the cookies for best results.
How Should I Store Spritz Cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute Almond Extract?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of almond, you can omit it or substitute with an equal amount of lemon or orange zest to add a fresh, citrusy flavor.
