Spritz cookies are classic buttery treats shaped into delicate little designs using a cookie press. They often come in festive shapes like stars, wreaths, or flowers, and have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies are lightly sweet and rich, with a hint of vanilla that makes them perfect for sharing during holidays or just as a simple, satisfying snack.
I love making spritz cookies because they feel a bit special—using the cookie press lets me get creative with fun shapes and patterns. It’s also a nice way to involve family or friends in the kitchen, especially kids who enjoy pressing out the dough and decorating with colored sugars or tiny sprinkles.
My favorite way to enjoy spritz cookies is with a warm cup of tea or coffee, letting the buttery flavors slowly melt away. They’re sturdy enough to hold their shape but tender enough to enjoy bite after bite. If I’m bringing a plate to a party, spritz cookies always seem to disappear quickly, which tells me that these little classic cookies are a crowd favorite for good reason!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Butter is essential for the rich, tender texture in spritz cookies. I always use unsalted and softened butter for even mixing. If you need a dairy-free option, try vegan margarine, but note the flavor will be different.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives these cookies their classic sweetness and slight crunch. You can swap with coconut sugar if you want a deeper flavor, though the color might be darker.
Egg: The egg helps bind the dough and adds moisture. For an egg-free version, try flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) but expect a slightly different texture.
Vanilla & Almond Extract: Vanilla adds warm flavor, while almond extract gives a subtle nutty twist. If you don’t have almond, just use extra vanilla or another extract like lemon for a twist.
Flour & Salt: All-purpose flour works best for structure. If gluten-free is needed, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Don’t skip salt—it balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Food Coloring & Decorations: Food coloring is optional but fun to get festive colors. Use gel colors for vivid hues without changing dough texture. Decorating sugars and sprinkles add sparkle but can be skipped or substituted with finely chopped nuts.
How Do I Get Perfect Cookie Shapes with a Cookie Press?
Using a cookie press can be tricky at first, but these tips help make perfect, pretty spritz cookies every time:
- Soft but not too soft dough: The dough should be soft enough to press smoothly but firm enough to hold shape. If it’s too cold, it won’t press; if too warm, shapes can spread.
- Fill the press properly: Don’t overfill or underfill. Pressing too hard or unevenly can break shapes, so use consistent pressure.
- Keep the press straight: Hold the cookie press perpendicular to the baking sheet for the best shape release.
- Space cookies apart: Spritz cookies don’t spread much, but give them 1-2 inches distance to prevent sticking.
- Decorate before baking: Add colored sugar or sprinkles right after pressing for a festive look. They stick better before baking.
- Practice patience: If cookies stick or break, chill the dough slightly or add a bit more flour next time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cookie press – this tool shapes your dough into pretty patterns easily and makes spritz cookies special.
- Baking sheets – flat, rimmed pans hold your cookies to bake evenly without spilling.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents sticking and makes cleanup quick.
- Mixing bowl and electric mixer – helps cream butter and sugar smoothly for light, tender cookies.
- Spoon or spatula – for scraping dough into the cookie press without waste.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add citrus zest like lemon or orange for a fresh, bright twist that pairs well with vanilla.
- Mix in finely chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans to add crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Swap almond extract for peppermint extract to create festive holiday cookies with a minty touch.
- Stir in mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise that melts in the oven.
How to Make Spritz Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Decorating:
- Food coloring (red and green, or colors of your choice)
- Colored sparkling sugars or sprinkles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 8-10 minutes to bake each batch, and a bit of time to cool. Overall, plan for around 45 minutes from start to finish including baking and cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to keep cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if you’re using it) and beat well to combine.
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until everything is combined.
3. Color and Shape the Cookies:
Divide your dough into three equal parts. Leave one plain and add food coloring to the other two portions, mixing well to get even colors like red and green. Fit your cookie press with your favorite shape disc, fill it with one dough color at a time, and press the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets about 1-2 inches apart.
Sprinkle colored sugars or sprinkles on top before baking to decorate your cookies beautifully.
4. Bake and Cool:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges set and begin to turn golden. The cookies should stay mostly light in color.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Repeat the pressing, decorating, and baking steps for any remaining dough.
Enjoy your colorful, crisp, and buttery spritz cookies with a cup of tea, coffee, or just on their own!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter for Spritz Cookies?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but keep in mind the flavor and texture might be slightly different. Margarine has more water content, so your cookies could be less tender or a bit flatter.
How Should I Store Spritz Cookies?
Store spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, bring it back to room temperature for easier pressing and shape your cookies as usual.
What If I Don’t Have a Cookie Press?
No worries! You can roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly for a simple drop cookie, though you’ll miss out on the classic spritz shapes. Alternatively, use a piping bag with a star tip for similar results.