Classic Spritz Cookies: A Buttery, Festive Holiday Treat
Uniform intricate shapes and crisp, buttery bites make every batch a show-stopping treat.
Classic Spritz Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat
There’s no shortage of cookie recipes during the holiday season, but classic spritz cookies deserve a special place in the festivities. Known for their crisp, buttery texture and stunning shapes, spritz cookies are a time-honored tradition in many households. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this guide will lead you through everything you need to know—from ingredients and baking tips to creative decorating and expert frequently asked questions—for baking delicious, beautiful spritz cookies every time.
What Are Spritz Cookies?
Spritz cookies are crisp, sweet, and buttery cookies that bear a resemblance to both sugar cookies and shortbread, but with a unique pressed shape and melt-in-your-mouth quality. The dough is not chilled or rolled out. Instead, it’s pressed through a cookie press—producing uniform, often intricate designs that instantly make your cookie platter feel festive.
While these cookies are especially popular at Christmas and holiday cookie swaps, their simple ingredients and fun shapes make them perfect for any occasion.
- Texture: Crisp edges with a tender, melt-away interior.
- Taste: Rich, buttery, and lightly sweet, with a delicate hint of almond and vanilla.
- Appearance: Recognizable for their decorative, pressed shapes—stars, wreaths, flowers, and more.
- Technique: Dough is pressed, not rolled, eliminating the need for cookie cutters.
Why Are They Called ‘Spritz’ Cookies?
The name “spritz” comes from the German word “spritzen,” meaning “to squirt,” referencing the way the dough is pushed or “squirted” through the cookie press to create shapes.
Why You’ll Love Making Spritz Cookies
- Festive Shapes: Instantly elevate any dessert table or cookie tray.
- Easy Decorating: Dazzle with melted chocolate, festive sprinkles, colored sugars, or coconut—no piping skills needed.
- Perfect for Kids: Children love pressing out, decorating, and, of course, eating these cookies.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Unfrosted cookies freeze beautifully for up to a month before decorating and serving.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together for impressive results.
Ingredients for Classic Spritz Cookies
Spritz cookies rely on a few basic, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (softened) | Provides rich, tender texture and classic taste |
| Granulated sugar | 2/3 cup | Creates sweetness and helps with spreading |
| Egg (large, room temperature) | 1 | Adds structure and helps cookies hold their shape |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp. | For classic flavor and aroma |
| Almond extract | 1/4 tsp. | For depth—small but essential! |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 tsp. | Balances sweetness; enhances flavor |
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/2 cups | Gives structure to the dough |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips (for decorating) | 1/2 cup (melted) | Optional, for drizzling |
| White chocolate chips (for decorating) | 1/2 cup (melted) | Optional, for drizzling |
| Decorative extras | As desired | Try sparkling sugar, shredded coconut, and festive sprinkles |
Step-by-Step: How to Make Spritz Cookies
This recipe is straightforward, though it does call for a cookie press. Here’s how to get picture-perfect spritz cookies every time:
- Preheat the Oven:
Set oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking as soon as your cookies are shaped. - Cream Butter and Sugar:
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until creamy (about 2 minutes). This step is key for a smooth dough and tender cookies. - Add Wet Ingredients:
Mix in the egg (at room temperature), vanilla, salt, and almond extract. Beat until everything is well combined (about 1 minute). - Add Flour:
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated—over-mixing can make the cookies tough. - Shape the Dough:
Form the dough into a log shape sized to fit the tube of your cookie press. If the dough becomes too soft or sticky, chill it briefly (5–10 minutes) before proceeding. - Press and Shape Cookies:
Fill the cookie press with dough. Press the dough straight onto unlined, ungreased baking sheets for best sticking and defined shapes. Use decorative templates to create a variety of festive designs. If you make a mistake stamping, simply peel off the dough and re-press. - Decorate Before Baking (Optional):
Before the cookies go into the oven, add Christmas sprinkles, colored sugars, or nonpareils for extra color and crunch. - Bake:
Bake cookies for 9–12 minutes, rotating baking sheets halfway through for even coloring.
The cookies should look lightly golden around the edges, but not brown all over. - Cool:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then gently transfer to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely—at least 30 minutes—before decorating or storing. - Decorate After Baking (Optional):
Melt the chocolate chips and drizzle over cooled cookies. Sprinkle with sparkling sugars, coconut, or extra festive sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet. Allow the chocolate to set before serving or storing.
Tips for Spritz Cookie Perfection
- Start with Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter is fully softened and egg is at room temperature for a dough that is easy to work with and presses cleanly.
- Add Almond Extract: This adds a hint of complexity—people love guessing what makes the cookies extra delicious!
- Don’t Over-flour: For the most tender texture, measure flour carefully and stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together.
- Chill If Needed: If your dough is too soft to press and hold its shape, chill for a brief 5–10 minutes. Over-chilled dough, however, can be too stiff for the press.
- Re-press Rejects: If a pressed cookie loses its shape or looks messy, simply scoop it up and add the dough back to the press for another try.
Spritz vs. Butter Cookies: What’s the Difference?
While spritz cookies and butter cookies are closely related—with similar short, buttery doughs—there’s a key distinction: egg. Spritz cookies include egg, which helps the dough hold together as it’s pressed and allows the cookies to retain their beautiful, intricate shapes when baked. Butter cookies, typically, contain no egg, resulting in a crumbly texture and slightly different flavor.
What others are reading
| Spritz Cookies | Butter Cookies |
|---|---|
| Contains egg Holds shape when pressed More tender and pressed shapes possible | No egg May spread more Crumbly, classic Danish tins |
Decorating Ideas and Toppings
These cookies are all about creative decoration. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Chocolate Drizzle: Dip or drizzle cookies with melted semisweet or white chocolate, then scatter with toppings for extra flair.
- Colored Sugars: Sprinkle on sparkling colored or sanding sugars before or just after baking for instant festivity.
- Holiday Sprinkles: Use red, white, and green nonpareils for a classic Christmas touch, or customize to match any season.
- Coconut: Finely shredded coconut adds snowy effect and sweet flavor.
- Combine Decorating Methods: Drizzle with chocolate, then top with sprinkles or coconut for maximum color and texture.
Pro Tips for Baking Success
- Use Unlined Baking Sheets: For best adherence and definition, press the cookies directly onto ungreased, unlined baking sheets. (If you use parchment, they may not stick well.)
- Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t worry if your first few cookies don’t look perfect. Simply scoop the dough up and try again—the dough is very forgiving.
- Freeze Ahead: Make the cookies ahead of time and freeze (unfrosted) for up to one month. Defrost and decorate when ready to serve.
- Store Properly: Once decorated, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for maximum freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Spritz Cookies
Q: Do I have to use a cookie press?
A: A cookie press is strongly recommended for the traditional look and uniform shapes of spritz cookies. Some bakers use pastry bags with decorative tips as an alternative, though the texture may differ.
Q: My dough is sticking to the press or not releasing—what should I do?
A: If the dough is too soft, chill it briefly (5–10 minutes). If too stiff, let it sit at room temperature a few minutes before pressing. Make sure the press and baking sheet are both clean and unlined.
Q: Are these cookies only for Christmas?
A: While especially popular during the holidays, you can make spritz cookies any time of year—just change the shape discs and sprinkle colors to fit the season!
Q: Can spritz cookies be made ahead?
A: Yes! Undecorated spritz cookies freeze well for up to a month. Thaw and decorate before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.
Q: Should I use parchment paper or silicone mats?
A: Actually, classic spritz cookies press best directly onto an unlined, ungreased baking sheet. This helps the dough stick and keeps the intricate details crisp. Use parchment only for easier cleanup after baking, never for pressing and shaping.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- To store, keep spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- To freeze, arrange baked, undecorated cookies in a single layer on a tray, freeze until firm, then layer between parchment in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and decorate as desired.
Meet the Recipe Developer
This detailed, foolproof recipe is developed by Sloane Layton, a trained chef, recipe creator, bread baker, and pastry connoisseur. Sloane is a regular contributor to culinary resources and always on the lookout for the flakiest croissant and newest kitchen adventure.
Conclusion: Spread Holiday Cheer with Spritz Cookies
Classic spritz cookies are the embodiment of holiday tradition: fun to make, easy to decorate, and guaranteed to bring smiles to any gathering. With the tips, troubleshooting advice, and decorating ideas in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to press, bake, and share beautiful cookies all season long. Gather the family, break out your cookie press, and start your own festive baking tradition today.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgVSOJGN5BY
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a37597298/spritz-cookies-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/a37961630/christmas-cookie-month-2021/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g43341702/types-of-cookies/
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