Introduction

Crisp, buttery, and delicately sweet, this Spritz Cookies Recipe brings irresistible holiday charm to any dessert table. These classic pressed cookies hold their shape beautifully and offer melt-in-your-mouth texture with every bite. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, cookie swaps, or simple afternoon treats, this recipe shines because it combines simplicity with elegance. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create stunning bakery-style cookies in minutes. You’ll learn how to master the dough, press flawless shapes, customize flavors, and bake perfect cookies every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spritz Cookies Recipe delivers everything cookie lovers crave. The dough mixes quickly, presses effortlessly, and bakes into crisp, buttery cookies with a soft, tender center. Every bite showcases the contrast between delicate edges and a slightly denser middle, giving each cookie a satisfying texture you’ll want to recreate all season long.

You’ll love how customizable these cookies are. Their light flavor works beautifully with colored sugars, almond extract, citrus zest, or even cocoa for a fun twist. They also maintain their shape during baking, so every swirl, star, or flower pattern comes out looking professional and festive. Unlike sugar cookies, there’s no chilling, rolling, or cutting — just press and bake.

Whether you’re making a holiday gift tin or filling your cookie jar, this Spritz Cookies Recipe gives you dependable results, picture-perfect shapes, and flavors that feel nostalgic and comforting. These cookies deliver maximum impact with minimal effort, making them a go-to choice for bakers who want beauty and delicious results fast.

Ingredients

This Spritz Cookies Recipe uses simple ingredients that create a rich, buttery dough perfect for pressing into festive shapes. The key to great spritz cookies is high-quality butter, as it determines flavor and texture. Below are exact measurements in US and metric form.

1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened — essential for smooth, flavorful dough.
3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar — adds sweetness without making the cookies too soft.
1 large egg (50 g) — helps bind the dough and gives structure.
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract — adds warm, classic flavor.
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) almond extract — optional but enhances the cookie’s aroma.
2 1/4 cups (270 g) all-purpose flour — creates the perfect dough consistency.
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) fine sea salt — balances the sweetness.
Optional: colored sanding sugar, chocolate drizzle, or sprinkles for decorating.

Simple ingredients, when mixed properly, produce cookies with beautiful definition and a melt-away finish.

Pro Tips

These essential techniques ensure your Spritz Cookies Recipe turns out beautifully every time.

1. Keep the dough soft and warm.
Spritz cookie dough should never be chilled. A soft dough presses cleanly through the cookie press, keeping shapes sharp and defined. If the dough becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature to soften slightly.

2. Press directly onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Avoid parchment or silicone mats. The dough needs direct contact with the metal sheet to grip and release cleanly from the cookie press. This ensures the prettiest shapes with crisp, detailed edges.

3. Use consistent pressure when pressing.
Apply steady, even pressure to ensure uniform cookies. If the dough doesn’t release well, wipe the pan with a slightly damp cloth, which helps the dough grip the surface. Clean the cookie press disk between batches to maintain clean impressions.

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature helps the cookies hold their shape while developing lightly golden edges. Prepare two ungreased baking sheets and set them aside.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. The mixture should become light, creamy, and fluffy — usually after about 2 minutes. This step builds the structure for your Spritz Cookies Recipe so they bake with a perfect texture.

Step 3

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until smooth and fully combined. The aroma should become sweet and fragrant, signaling that your flavor base is ready.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. The dough should feel pliable, smooth, and slightly sticky — perfect for pressing.

Step 5

Fill your cookie press with the dough, packing it gently to avoid air gaps. Choose any disk design you prefer (flowers, stars, trees, hearts, etc.). Press cookies directly onto an ungreased baking sheet, holding the press firmly against the pan before lifting to release each shape.

Step 6

Decorate the cookies before baking. Sprinkle with colored sugars or leave plain if you plan to drizzle with chocolate later. Add minimal toppings so details stay visible.

Step 7

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges turn a very light golden color. Overbaking removes their signature delicate texture, so monitor closely. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 8

Repeat with the remaining dough, reloading the press as needed. Ensure each batch is evenly spaced to promote consistent baking. Enjoy warm or completely cooled — each texture is delightful in its own way.

Variations

This versatile Spritz Cookies Recipe can be adapted to suit your flavor preferences and dietary needs.

Chocolate Spritz Cookies:
Replace 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder for a rich, chocolaty twist. Add a chocolate drizzle after baking for extra indulgence.

Citrus Spritz Cookies:
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough. The bright flavor pairs beautifully with the buttery base and adds a refreshing aroma.

Gluten-Free Spritz Cookies:
Use a high-quality gluten-free baking blend (with xanthan gum included). The cookies will press well and maintain good structure when using a 1:1 replacement flour.

Storage/Serving

These cookies store exceptionally well, making this Spritz Cookies Recipe ideal for holiday gift boxes and party platters.

Storage:
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep beautifully for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea for a cozy treat.
Add them to Christmas cookie platters with gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark.
Drizzle baked cookies with melted chocolate or dip half of each cookie in chocolate for an elegant finish.

FAQs

1. Why won’t my spritz cookies stick to the baking sheet?
Ungreased metal baking sheets work best. Parchment or silicone prevents the dough from gripping. If needed, wipe the sheet lightly with a damp cloth.

2. Why did my spritz cookies spread too much?
Your butter may have been too soft. Slightly firm, room-temperature butter creates better definition.

3. Can I chill the dough?
No. Chilling makes the dough too stiff to press. Keep it soft for best results.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, but let it soften fully before pressing. Dough must return to room temperature.

5. How do I keep shapes crisp?
Use consistent pressure while pressing, avoid overmixing the dough, and bake at the correct temperature.

Conclusion

This Spritz Cookies Recipe is comfort food at its finest — buttery, crisp, and beautifully shaped for every celebration. It’s the kind of dish that transforms simple ingredients into festive cookies perfect for gifting, gatherings, or holiday traditions.