What are spritz cookies and how are they different from other cookies?

Spritz cookies are buttery, sweet cookies made by pressing dough through a cookie press to create intricate, festive shapes. Unlike traditional cut-out cookies, spritz cookies hold their detailed shapes during baking because the dough contains an egg for structure. They are firmer than shortbread and typically feature vanilla or almond flavors.

How do I use a cookie press to make spritz cookies?

To use a cookie press, select a decorative metal plate and attach it to the press. Fill the tube with spritz cookie dough, hold the press perpendicular to a cold baking sheet, and squeeze the handle to release the dough in shapes. Lift straight up to keep the design intact. If dough sticks, remove it gently and reposition the cookie on the sheet before baking.

Can I make spritz cookie dough ahead and store it?

Yes, spritz cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw frozen dough in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature. This makes the dough easier to press and helps maintain the cookie shapes during baking.

What are the best tips for baking spritz cookies perfectly?

Use cold baking sheets lined with silicone mats or nonstick surfaces to help dough release cleanly. Avoid parchment paper as dough tends to stick. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until edges are lightly golden, usually around 8-10 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to keep their delicate shapes intact.

How can I decorate spritz cookies without using icing?

Spritz cookies can be decorated by pressing sprinkles, colored sugar, or mini chocolate chips onto the dough immediately after pressing. Another option is to drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies. These simple decorations add color and texture without requiring additional icing preparation.

Spritz Cookies Recipe Tips For Perfect Holiday Baking

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (16 tablespoons; 226 grams) unsalted butter

3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar

1 large egg at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

2 and 1/3 cups (291 grams) all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

gel food coloring for festive colors

sprinkles for decoration

chocolate chips for added texture

melted chocolate for drizzling

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Instructions

1-Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

2-Line two or three large baking sheets with silicone mats or use nonstick sheets without liners, chilling them if possible to help the dough adhere better.

3-In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract and beat on high until combined, approximately 1 minute, scraping the bowl as needed.

4-Mix in the flour and salt on low speed, then increase speed to high and beat until fully combined.

5-Fit a cookie press with a decorative plate, spoon dough into it, and press the dough onto cold baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Lightly brush shaped dough with water before adding sprinkles or chocolate chips to help toppings stick.

6-If the dough becomes too soft, chill the shaped dough for 10 minutes before baking.

7-Bake for 7 to 9 minutes until the edges are lightly browned.

8-Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, drizzle with melted chocolate.

9-Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Last Step:

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Notes

❄️ Chill dough if it softens during shaping to maintain cookie shapes.
⭐ Use almond extract for authentic flavor, or try vanilla, peppermint, lemon, or cinnamon as alternatives.
🎨 Use gel food coloring sparingly to add festive colors without changing dough texture.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 7 to 9 minutes per batch
Category: Dessert, Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 70 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 30 mg
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg