Name: Buttery Spritz Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp almond extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp salt; Sprinkles or colored sugar, for decorating (optional)

Why You’ll Love Buttery Spritz Cookie Recipe Recipe

Spritz cookies are perfect for the holidays or any special occasion because they are:

Easy to make with simple pantry staples
Soft, buttery, and tender with crisp edges
Fun to decorate and shape with your cookie press
Great for sharing with family and friends

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1/2 lb butter (2 sticks), softened but not melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups all‑purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• red & green food coloring (optional)
• holiday sprinkles (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
If desired, divide the dough into three portions. Add red food coloring to one, green to another, and leave the third plain.
Fit your cookie press with the desired shape plate, then press the dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
Decorate with sprinkles if desired.
Bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to set.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

• Yield: About 48 cookies
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10–12 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 25 minutes

Variations

• Almond Twist: Substitute half the vanilla with almond extract for a nuttier flavor.
• Chocolate Spritz: Add 1–2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to part of the dough for a chocolatey variation.
• Decorated Cookies: Drizzle baked cookies with melted chocolate or glaze, or dust with powdered sugar.
• Festive Colors: Use gel food coloring to match any holiday theme, from red and green for Christmas to pastel shades for spring.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer with parchment between them, stored in a freezer bag or airtight container, for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To refresh texture, warm cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery.

FAQs

How do I keep spritz cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure the dough is firm and cool, and avoid greasing your baking sheets. A slightly sticky surface helps the dough retain its shape.

Can I make these without a cookie press?

Yes. Use a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip to pipe out shapes if you don’t have a cookie press.

Can I add other flavors to the dough?

Absolutely. Almond extract, lemon zest, or orange extract all work beautifully in spritz cookie dough.

Why are they called spritz cookies?

The name comes from the German word spritzen, meaning “to squirt,” referring to how the dough is pressed or pushed through a cookie press.

Do I need to grease the baking sheet?

No. Spritz cookies should be pressed onto an ungreased, clean baking sheet so they can stick slightly and hold their shape.

What’s the best way to decorate them?

Sprinkles and colored sugars work great before baking. After baking, try drizzling them with melted chocolate or icing for extra flair.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for a few hours or overnight. Let it soften slightly before using it in the cookie press.

How can I make them more festive?

Use a variety of cookie press shapes and tint the dough in multiple holiday colors. Add fun sprinkles or edible glitter.

Are spritz cookies crunchy or soft?

They are tender and buttery with crisp edges and a delicate crumb. Proper baking ensures they don’t get too hard.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes. Press out shapes onto a tray, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen with 1–2 extra minutes of oven time.

Conclusion

This Buttery Spritz Cookie recipe is a nostalgic favorite that delivers on both taste and fun. With their classic shapes, rich buttery flavor, and endless decorating options, these cookies are perfect for celebrating the holidays or brightening any day. Easy to make and delightful to eat, they’re bound to become a treasured part of your baking tradition.