Spritz Cookies: Delicate, Buttery Bites That Melt in Your Mouth

Delight in the charm of homemade Spritz Cookies – a classic treat that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. These tender, buttery morsels are incredibly fun to make, especially when you use a trusty cookie press to create their intricate shapes. Perfect for holidays or a simple afternoon indulgence, this recipe guarantees beautiful, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that will impress everyone.

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Quick Glance Summary

This recipe for Spritz Cookies is straightforward, requiring minimal active prep time and quick baking. Perfect for making a large batch for gatherings or gifting.

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 7-10 minutes per batch
Total time: Approximately 45 minutes (including active baking for a few batches)
Servings: 24 cookies

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients before you begin ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking process. Here’s everything you’ll need for these delightful cookies:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended for classic flavor)
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
Food coloring (gel or liquid, optional for festive colors)
Sprinkles or sanding sugar, for decoration

Preparation Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly formed and delicious Spritz Cookies. The key is to have your ingredients at room temperature and to work efficiently with your cookie press.

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or leave them ungreased; some bakers find ungreased sheets help the dough stick better for pressing.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until everything is well combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
5. Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as a soft, pliable dough forms.
6. Color Dough (Optional): If you wish to make multi-colored cookies, divide the dough into portions and knead in a few drops of food coloring into each portion until the desired hue is achieved.
7. Load Cookie Press: Load the dough into your cookie press, fitted with your favorite decorative disc.
8. Press Cookies: Press the cookies directly onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Hold the press firmly against the sheet, press the trigger, and lift straight up.
9. Decorate and Bake: Immediately decorate the pressed cookies with sprinkles or sanding sugar if desired. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Spritz Cookies are meant to be light-colored, so avoid overbaking.
10. Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

Spritz Cookies are wonderfully versatile! Here are some creative ways to customize and serve them:

Chocolate Dipped: Once cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted dark, milk, or white chocolate and sprinkle with festive toppings.
Citrus Zest: Add 1-2 teaspoons of finely grated lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, zesty flavor.
Nutty Flavor: Replace a tablespoon or two of flour with finely ground nuts like pistachios or walnuts for a subtle nutty flavor and texture.
Glazed & Decorated: Instead of sprinkles, create a simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar + milk/water) and drizzle over cooled cookies, then add fine edible glitter.
Cookie Sandwiches: Pipe a thin layer of your favorite frosting or ganache between two similarly shaped Spritz cookies for an extra decadent treat.

FAQ

Q: Do I need a cookie press to make Spritz Cookies?
A: Yes, a cookie press is essential for creating the distinctive shapes of Spritz Cookies. While you might be able to pipe a basic shape, the intricate designs truly require the specialized tool.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. Bring it back to room temperature before pressing, as cold dough can be difficult to work with in the cookie press.

Q: Why are my Spritz Cookies spreading too much?
A: Over-softened butter, too much butter, or not enough flour can cause spreading. Ensure your butter is just softened (not melted) and measure your flour accurately. Also, avoid greasing your baking sheets too heavily; sometimes no grease is best for these cookies.

Q: How do I store Spritz Cookies?
A: Store cooled Spritz Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 2-3 months.

Q: Can I use different extracts?
A: Absolutely! While vanilla and almond are classic, feel free to experiment with lemon, peppermint, or even rum extract to suit your taste or occasion.

Conclusion

There’s something truly magical about a batch of homemade Spritz Cookies, especially when you’ve shaped each delicate piece yourself using a cookie press. This recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s an invitation to create, share, and enjoy the simple pleasures of baking. Whether you’re making them for a holiday celebration or just because, these buttery bites are sure to become a beloved favorite in your home.

Recipe Note

For the best results, ensure your butter is truly at room temperature – soft enough to make an indentation but not greasy or melted. This will help the dough press smoothly and hold its shape during baking.