Rich and Buttery Pressed Cookies Perfect for Any Occasion
This classic Spritz Cookies recipe yields rich, buttery cookies crafted with a cookie press to create decorative designs. You can customize them even further by adding colors and sprinkles, just like with our popular Butter Cookies!
What Are Spritz Cookies?
Spritz cookies, known as Spritzgebäck in Germany where they originated, are delightful buttery cookies that fall somewhere between sugar cookies and shortbread. Made using a cookie press, these cookies can take on a variety of cute designs and shapes, making them perfect for any celebration. Their versatility allows you to customize them for holidays, parties, or just because!
Ingredients for Spritz Cookies
Butter: It’s essential to use softened unsalted butter, ideally at about 65°F (18°C). If you’re short on time, cut the butter into smaller pieces; it should soften in about 15 minutes. Softened butter ensures it creams properly with the sugar, resulting in the perfect cookie texture.
Almond Extract: This extract gives spritz cookies their signature flavor. If you have a nut allergy, you can use imitation almond extract, which contains no nuts but still imparts that classic taste.
Flour: When incorporating all-purpose flour, fold it in by hand just until it’s mixed. This prevents overdevelopment of gluten, keeping the cookies tender.
Decorative Options: To add a splash of color, use gel food coloring. (Avoid liquid food coloring as it can alter the dough’s texture.) Feel free to sprinkle on some festive sprinkles or decorating sugar to make your cookies shine!
What Is a Spritz Cookie?
Spritz cookies are buttery treats sometimes called butter spritz or pressed butter cookies. They are simple to make with just a few ingredients and a cookie press. However, if you don’t have a cookie press, don’t worry—we’ll explain how to make these cookies without one!
Best Pan for Spritz Cookies
For optimal results, use an unlined, light-colored baking sheet when baking spritz cookies. If you’re using a darker pan, consider reducing the baking time by a minute or two to prevent over-browning. Additionally, place your baking sheets in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the dough. The cold surface helps the room-temperature dough adhere better, ensuring your cookies hold their intricate shapes.
Tip: Avoid using silicone baking mats or parchment paper for this recipe, as they can cause the dough to spread and lose its shape.
Can I Make These Cookies Without a Cookie Press?
Absolutely! While a cookie press is traditional for making these pressed cookies, you can still create beautiful spritz cookies without one. Simply use a piping bag fitted with a star tip or any decorative tip of your choice. Pipe the dough onto your chilled baking sheets, and you’ll have lovely designs ready to bake.
How to Freeze Spritz Cookies
To freeze your baked spritz cookies:
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool entirely on a wire rack.
- Freeze Initially: Place the cooled cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about an hour.
- Store Properly: Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month.
- Thaw and Enjoy: When ready to enjoy, let the cookies thaw at room temperature.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 230 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Gel food coloring, optional
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place two large light-colored baking sheets in the refrigerator to chill while you make the cookie dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer to cream them together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Add Color (Optional): If you’d like to color your cookies, gently fold in a few drops of gel food coloring until evenly distributed.
- Prepare Dough for Pressing: Using a Cookie Press: Fill your cookie press with the dough, using your desired design plate. To start, double-press the first cookie to ensure some dough remains in the press for consistent shapes. Continue pressing the cookies onto the chilled baking sheets.
- Without a Cookie Press: Transfer the dough to a heavy-duty piping bag fitted with your preferred decorating tip. Remove any air pockets in the dough before piping. Pipe the dough onto the chilled baking sheets in your chosen designs.
- Decorate: If desired, sprinkle the cookies with decorative sugar or sprinkles.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 5-6 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Enjoy making these classic Spritz Cookies, a buttery treat that’s perfect for sharing during the holidays or any special occasion!
