Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies

Short Description

Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies are delicate, buttery cookies that hold their shape beautifully when pressed into festive designs. They have a crisp yet tender texture, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or enjoying with a warm drink.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic and nostalgic holiday treat
• Buttery, crisp, and lightly sweetened
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
• Can be decorated with sprinkles, chocolate, or icing
• Holds its shape well for a beautiful presentation

Ingredients

this Recipe

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

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional for decorating)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
3. Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until fully combined.
4. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Load the dough into a cookie press and press shapes onto an ungreased baking sheet.
6. Decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar if desired.
7. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool completely before serving or storing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 4 dozen cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 8–10 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Spritz Cookies: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dough.
• Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest for a fresh flavor.
• Dipped in Chocolate: Dip cookies in melted chocolate and let set.
• Nutty Version: Add finely ground almonds or pecans for extra texture.
• Spiced Holiday Cookies: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Refrigeration: Keeps for up to 2 weeks but tastes best fresh.
• Freezing: Freeze raw dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: No need to reheat; simply thaw frozen cookies at room temperature.

FAQs

What is a cookie press?

A cookie press is a tool that helps shape spritz cookies into decorative designs.

Can I make these without a cookie press?

Yes, you can roll the dough into small balls and flatten them with a fork or patterned glass.

Why is my dough not pressing properly?

If the dough is too stiff, let it soften slightly at room temperature before using the cookie press.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is best for flavor and texture, but margarine can be used if necessary.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No, spritz cookie dough should be at room temperature for easy pressing.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading?

Avoid overmixing the dough and use cool baking sheets.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How can I make the cookies more colorful?

Use food coloring in the dough or colored sugar for decoration.

Can I add icing?

Yes! A light glaze or royal icing adds extra sweetness.

Why are my cookies too crumbly?

Ensure the dough has enough moisture—an extra egg yolk can help.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies are a timeless treat with a delicate, buttery flavor and beautiful shapes. Whether enjoyed plain, decorated with sprinkles, or dipped in chocolate, they are a must-have for holiday baking. Try different variations and share them with family and friends!

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