Name: Spritz Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 39 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 2 and 1/3 cups (291g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1/2 teaspoon salt; Gel food coloring; Sprinkles; Chocolate chips; Melted chocolate for drizzling

Imagine biting into delicate, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth with a whisper of almond and vanilla. That’s exactly why my Spritz Cookies Recipe is so special – it’s a blend of nostalgia and simple elegance that feels like a cozy hug from the oven.

The image shows many small shaped cookies placed closely together on a white marbled surface. There are four types of cookies: light beige flower-shaped cookies with blue sugar crystals on top; light beige flower-shaped cookies with red, green, and white round sprinkles; round green wreath-shaped cookies with red, green, and white sprinkles; and beige flower-shaped cookies with dark chocolate stripes and a small chocolate ball in the center. The cookies have a slightly rough but soft texture, and the colors are soft pastels with bright sprinkles adding contrast. The scene is bright and clear, showing the details well. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spritz Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spritz Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spritz Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

There’s something truly magical about making spritz cookies. Over the years, I've found this recipe to be incredibly reliable and endlessly charming, perfect for sharing or just treating yourself to a little bite of happiness.

Perfect Texture: These cookies strike the perfect balance between delicate crisp edges and tender centers.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything in your pantry, making it easy to whip up on a whim.
Customizable: Whether you want classic butter cookies or a splash of color and flavor, this recipe adapts beautifully.
Great for Gifting: They look stunning on a cookie platter and travel well for holiday giving.

A white round plate filled with four types of small cookies arranged in rows by type, placed on a white marbled surface. The first type of cookie is pale golden beige, shaped like a Christmas tree and decorated with red and green sprinkles on top, with some placed outside the plate. The second type is light green flower-shaped cookies with red round sprinkles. The third type is beige flower-shaped cookies with blue sugar crystals at the center. The fourth type is beige flower-shaped cookies with a drizzle of dark chocolate and a small chocolate chip in the center. Two small white bowls with colorful round sprinkles, one with red, green, and white sprinkles and the other with blue sugar crystals, sit near the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Spritz Cookies Recipe plays a role in creating that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle flavor. Here's a quick look at why each one matters and my tips for choosing them.

Flat lay of a small square of unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, one large brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl containing almond extract, a simple mound of all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter is key for creaming with sugar; it traps air and helps make these cookies tender.
Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right sweetness and helps the cookies maintain their shape when pressed.
Large Egg: Acts as a binder and contributes to the dough’s moisture and structure.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
Almond Extract: This little splash makes a huge difference—giving the cookies their classic, irresistible aroma and taste.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy base; spoons and levels flour to avoid a dense dough.
Salt: Enhances all other flavors, balancing the sweetness and richness.
Optional Decorations: Gel food coloring for gentle tinting, sprinkles, chocolate chips, or melted chocolate all add personality and flair.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about spritz cookies is how easy it is to put your spin on them. I've experimented with different extracts and colors over the years, and it’s so fun to make these cookies feel uniquely yours.

Variation: For a festive twist, I often swap almond extract for peppermint extract during the holidays; the fresh flavor pairs wonderfully with the buttery dough.
Color Play: A drop or two of gel food coloring can make these cookies pop on your holiday platter without affecting the texture.
Texture Tip: Adding a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking adds a little crunch and sparkle.
Dairy-Free: If you need a dairy-free option, try substituting unsalted vegan butter carefully—just expect slightly different texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spritz Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Getting Started With the Dough

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining my baking sheets with silicone mats. Here’s a little insider tip: if you have space in your fridge, chilling the baking sheets while the oven heats up helps the dough stick nicely when pressed out. It’s a game-changer.

Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar

Using my stand mixer with the paddle attachment, I beat softened butter and sugar on medium-high for about three minutes until the mixture is smooth and a little fluffy. This step is crucial—it aerates the dough, giving the cookies their delicate tenderness. Scrape down the bowl to make sure everything blends evenly.

Step 3: Adding Egg and Extracts

Next, I add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract, beating everything together at high speed for about a minute. The almond extract is my secret weapon—it adds this subtle, irresistible flavor that takes these cookies to the next level. If you want, you can experiment with lemon or peppermint extracts here too.

Step 4: Mixing in Flour and Salt

Switching the mixer to low, I carefully beat in the flour and salt, then crank it up to high to fully combine. This creates a dough that’s just soft enough to press but firm enough to hold its shape beautifully.

Step 5: Pressing and Decorating Cookies

Now comes the fun part—using the cookie press! I load the dough and press out each cookie about 2 inches apart on my cold baking sheets. If I want to add sprinkles, I lightly brush the dough with water first so they stick perfectly. Sometimes I pop a chocolate chip on top for a little extra treat.

Step 6: Baking to Perfection

I bake the cookies for 7 to 9 minutes until the edges are just starting to turn golden. It’s so important not to overbake—as soon as you see a hint of color, take them out! Then I let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Top Tip

From many batches over the years, I've learned a few tricks that make all the difference between good spritz cookies and truly amazing ones.

Chill Your Baking Sheet: It sounds unusual, but a cold baking sheet helps the cookie dough stick and keeps the shapes crisp.
Don’t Overmix Flour: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender, not tough.
Water for Sprinkles: A light brush of water before sprinkling keeps decorations in place during baking.
Watch the Bake Time: Pull cookies out the moment the edges lighten—they’ll set as they cool for perfect softness.

How to Serve Spritz Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding just a few festive touches—sometimes a sprinkle of sanding sugar, or a quick drizzle of melted chocolate. Occasionally, I press a chocolate chip right into the center before baking which looks adorable and tastes delicious.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. Around the holidays, I also like serving them on a cookie platter alongside gingerbread men and spiced nuts to add variety and color.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these cookies in wreath shapes on a festive platter or stack them with ribbons tied around for a charming gift. Using different cookie press discs adds variety to the shapes, making your platter look like a work of art.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and they've stayed fresh for about a week without losing their tender texture. If you live in a humid place, a small piece of bread in the container can help absorb moisture and keep them crisp.

Freezing

This dough freezes beautifully—I've stored it in an airtight bag for months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before loading into your cookie press. Baked cookies freeze well too; thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Reheating

If your spritz cookies have lost a bit of their fresh-baked charm, popping them in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes revives their crisp edges and aroma without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a substitute if I don’t have a cookie press?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a cookie press, you can use a pastry bag fitted with a star tip to pipe the dough into shapes. Just add a bit of milk to the dough to make it pipe-able, or try a soft butter cookie recipe for easier piping.

Why does the recipe call for almond extract? Can I skip it?

Almond extract gives spritz cookies their signature flavor, making them especially aromatic and delicious. If you prefer, you can skip it or replace it with extra vanilla or another extract like peppermint or lemon – it’s totally up to your taste!

How do I prevent spritz cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and that your flour is accurately measured and spooned into the cup. Press cookies on a cold baking sheet and avoid overmixing. This helps maintain the beautiful shapes without spreading.

Can I add food coloring to the cookie dough?

Yes! Gel food coloring works best to tint the dough without affecting its texture. Use just a drop or two per batch to keep the dough firm and the colors vibrant but gentle.

Final Thoughts

Spritz cookies hold a special place in my heart because they’re simple yet so satisfying to make and share. They remind me of festive afternoons in my grandma’s kitchen. I hope as you try this Spritz Cookies Recipe, it brings a bit of that warm comfort and joy to your home too. Happy baking!