There’s something utterly delightful about the crunch of a perfectly baked spritz cookie, its buttery flavor melting in your mouth. As the holiday season approaches, I can’t help but get excited about these little gems. My favorite spritz cookies not only bring a touch of nostalgia but also invite creativity in the kitchen. With their charming designs and versatility, they’re the perfect way to showcase your personality, whether you prefer bright colors, sprinkles, or a drizzle of chocolate.
Recently, I found myself in a baking mood while reminiscing about family get-togethers where spritz cookies were a staple. The best part? They come together in just about an hour, making them a simple yet impressive treat. I’ve often turned to this recipe when I needed something sweet but didn’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. Whether for a potluck or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to please everyone. Join me as we dive into this deliciously easy recipe that has quickly become a favorite in my household!
Why are My Favorite Spritz Cookies a must-try?
Unmatched versatility: Customize these cookies with various colors, sprinkles, or chocolate. Celebration-ready: Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or any occasion. Quick to prepare: In just one hour, you can make dozens of these delightful treats. Buttery bliss: The rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor will keep everyone coming back for more. Easily shareable: With 84 bite-sized cookies, there’s plenty to go around!
Ingredients for My Favorite Spritz Cookies
• To whip up a delightful batch of spritz cookies, here’s what you’ll need:
For the Dough
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g), softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar – 3/4 cup (150g) to give the cookies that perfect sweetness.
- Large egg – 1, at room temperature to help bind all ingredients together.
- Pure vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon for a classic flavor that enhances every bite.
- Almond extract – 1 teaspoon to add a nutty richness that complements the buttery dough.
- All-purpose flour – 2 and 1/3 cups (291g), spooned and leveled for the right cookie texture.
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
For Decorating (optional)
- Gel food coloring – to brighten your cookies and make them visually festive.
- Sprinkles – for a fun, colorful touch that adds some holiday cheer.
- Chocolate chips – for those who crave a little extra chocolatey goodness.
- Melted chocolate – for drizzling on top to create an indulgent finish to your spritz cookies.
With these ingredients, you’ll be on your way to creating My Favorite Spritz Cookies that not only taste heavenly but also look stunning!
How to Make My Favorite Spritz Cookies
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Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C), ensuring that it’s perfectly hot when you start baking your delightful cookies. This achieves that golden-brown edge you’ll love.
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Prepare baking sheets: Line 2 or 3 large baking sheets with silicone mats or nonstick paper. If you can, chill the lined sheets—this helps your cookies hold their shape!
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Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until it’s smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. The mixture should be light and fluffy at this point.
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Add egg and extracts: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the bowl, continuing to beat on high until everything is well mixed, about 1 minute. The aroma will be wonderful!
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Combine dry ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low, then gradually add in the flour and salt. Once combined, crank the speed up to high and mix until the dough is smooth and uniform.
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Prepare cookie press: Fit your cookie press with your preferred decorative plate. Fill the press with dough, holding it perpendicular to the cold lined baking sheet. Press out cookies about 2 inches (5 cm) apart—get creative with your designs!
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Chill if necessary: If you notice the dough becoming too soft, simply pop it into the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This helps maintain their shape while baking.
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Bake cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 7–9 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly browned. Keep an eye on them—they bake quickly!
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Cool down: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Once slightly set, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating with melted chocolate if desired.
Optional: For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional colorful sprinkles on top before the chocolate sets.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for My Favorite Spritz Cookies
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Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is truly softened to room temperature. Cold butter won’t cream well and will affect the texture.
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Chill Your Dough: If the dough gets too soft while using the cookie press, chill it for 10 minutes to maintain the cookie shape for My Favorite Spritz Cookies.
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Uniformity Counts: Press the cookies 2 inches apart and keep them consistent in size to ensure even baking and an appealing presentation.
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Watch the Time: These cookies bake quickly! Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
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Let Them Cool: Be patient! Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack; this helps avoid breaking.
Make Ahead Options
These My Favorite Spritz Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to easily create delicious treats without the rush. You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep it fresh. If you’d like, you can also shape the cookies and place them on a baking sheet, covering them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps maintain their lovely shape and texture. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just pop them in the preheated oven! With these make-ahead options, you’ll enjoy freshly baked cookies with minimal effort, making your busy weeknights a little sweeter.
What to Serve with My Favorite Spritz Cookies?
Looking to create a delightful spread alongside your spritz cookies? Here are some delicious pairings that will make your dessert table sing.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy texture and chocolate flavors create a warm contrast to the buttery cookies, making for a cozy treat.
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Festive Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds a fresh crunch, balancing the sweetness of the cookies with vibrant, juicy bites.
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Classic Milk: The perfect classic companion for cookies, a cold glass of milk enhances the buttery flavor while washing down the sugary goodness.
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Cream Cheese Frosting: Drizzle or dip your cookies in a light cream cheese frosting for an added layer of tangy flavor; it’s simply heavenly!
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Gingerbread Latte: This seasonal drink offers a spicy kick that complements the mellow sweetness of the spritz, creating a cozy café experience at home.
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The sweet and fruity tartness of strawberries dipped in chocolate pairs exquisitely with the nostalgia of buttery spritz cookies.
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Tea Varieties: Consider pairing with Earl Grey or chamomile; these subtle flavors will enhance your cookies’ almond and vanilla notes.
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Cheesecake Bites: Silky smooth cheesecake bites make a rich counterpart to the light texture of spritz cookies that everyone will adore.
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Decorative Dessert Platter: Create a visual feast by combining spritz cookies with other confections, such as mini cupcakes or fudge. It’s not only tasty but also a stunning presentation!
How to Store and Freeze My Favorite Spritz Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while allowing their delightful texture to shine.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Ensure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: Freeze baked spritz cookies for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to maintain their lovely shape.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature. Reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their crunch.
Variations & Substitutions for My Favorite Spritz Cookies
Feel free to sprinkle your own magic on these spritz cookies by trying out some of these fun variations!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend; your cookies will still be delightful and delicious.
Consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix to ensure a similar texture. -
Vegan: Swap the butter for coconut oil and the egg for a flax egg for a plant-based treat that’s equally tasty.
To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, letting it sit until it thickens. -
Chocolate Lovers: Stir in 1 cup of cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor in your spritz cookies.
These decadent cookies will be a hit with chocolate enthusiasts, perfect for any occasion! -
Citrus Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing twist on flavor.
This brings a bright, aromatic quality to your cookies that pairs beautifully with the almond extract. -
Nutty Crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) to introduce an enjoyable crunch.
The added texture will not only enhance flavor but also create a delightful contrast with the buttery dough. -
Spiced Up: Mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to add warmth and character to the cookies.
A little hint of spice can transport your spritz cookies to a new level of comfort and nostalgia. -
Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter or margarine instead of regular butter to make this recipe entirely dairy-free.
This way, everyone can enjoy the buttery goodness without any concerns! -
Sprinkled Sweetness: Top with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon before baking for a delightful sweet crunch on the outside.
This simple touch elevates their appearance and adds a lovely surprise with every bite!
My Favorite Spritz Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right butter for my spritz cookies?
Absolutely! For spritz cookies, always opt for unsalted butter. This allows you to control the saltiness of your dough, ensuring the sweetness shines through. Make sure it’s at room temperature—softened but not melting—so it creams well with the sugar, resulting in that light and fluffy texture we adore!
What’s the best way to store my spritz cookies?
Very easy! Store your spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just remember to keep them well-sealed to keep that delightful crunch intact!
Can I freeze my spritz cookies for later?
Absolutely! To freeze your baked spritz cookies, make sure they are completely cooled first. Layer them in a freezer-safe container with sheets of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking and maintain their shape. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature. For a quick refresh, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
What if my dough becomes too soft while using the cookie press?
No worries! If your dough starts getting too soft, simply chill it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This will firm it up, making it easier to press out those beautiful designs. Chilling helps ensure that your spritz cookies maintain their shape and bake evenly.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of for these cookies?
Definitely! Keep in mind that these delightful spritz cookies contain dairy and gluten from the butter and all-purpose flour. If you’re baking for someone with allergies, consider substituting dairy-free margarine and a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate those dietary needs. Always check with your guests to ensure everyone can join in on the deliciousness!
My Favorite Spritz Cookies: Irresistibly Buttery Delights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Prepare 2 or 3 large baking sheets with silicone mats or nonstick paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy (about 3 minutes).
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract and beat until well mixed (about 1 minute).
- Reduce mixer speed to low, then gradually add in the flour and salt until combined, then mix on high until smooth.
- Fit the cookie press with your preferred plate, fill it with dough, and press cookies onto the lined baking sheet 2 inches apart.
- If the dough becomes too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.
- Bake the cookies for 7-9 minutes until the edges are lightly browned.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
