The sounds of whirring cookie presses and bubbling laughter fill the kitchen as I embark on a festive tradition: baking Buttery Spritz Cookies. These delightful little treats are not just holiday staples; they’re the edible embodiment of joy, featuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture enriched with rich butter and subtle notes of almond and vanilla. What makes them even better is how quick they are to prepare—no chilling required! They’re customizable too, allowing for vibrant colors and festive sprinkles to match any celebration. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a nostalgic taste, these classic cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Are you ready to discover the magic of baking these festive delights?
Why are Buttery Spritz Cookies a must-bake?
Easy to Make: With no chilling required, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
Customizable Charms: From vibrant colors to festive decorations, you can easily personalize these cookies for any celebration.
Irresistibly Delicious: Their melt-in-your-mouth texture, enriched with buttery goodness and subtle almond flavors, creates a delightful treat everyone loves.
Perfect for Gifting: Pack these cookies into holiday tins or serve them on cookie platters for a charming gift or treat at gatherings.
Tradition Worth Sharing: Rooted in German culinary tradition, these cookies bring holiday cheer and nostalgia, making them cherished among family and friends.
For more holiday inspiration, check out my other festive recipes like Millies Cookies Bake and Cool Whip Cookies. Happy baking!
Buttery Spritz Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- Unsalted Butter – 1 cup (224g); use room temperature butter for optimal mixing.
- Granulated Sugar – 3/4 cup (155g); adds sweetness and contributes to a fluffy texture.
- Egg – 1 large; ensures moisture and binds the cookie ingredients. Make sure it’s at room temperature.
- Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp; enhances the flavor profile of your Buttery Spritz Cookies.
- Almond Extract – 1 tsp; adds a distinctive, classic almond flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 1/4 cups (293g); provides structure for the cookies.
- Salt – 1/2 tsp; balances sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
For Color and Decoration
- Gel Food Coloring (optional) – Use in small amounts for adding color; too much may thin the dough.
- Sprinkles (optional) – Decorate as desired to elevate the festive look of your cookies.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Buttery Spritz Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven warms up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with silicone mats. This will help ensure that your Buttery Spritz Cookies come off easily and maintain their shape during baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture, so take your time to ensure it’s well mixed.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Once the butter and sugar mixture is fluffy, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix on low speed until all the ingredients are fully combined, creating a smooth and creamy batter. This infusion of flavors will enhance your Buttery Spritz Cookies’ delicious profile.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until the ingredients are combined; be careful not to over-mix the dough. Switching to a rubber spatula at the end will help fold everything together gently while preventing tough cookies.
Step 5: Optional Coloring
If you want to add color to your Buttery Spritz Cookies, divide the dough into portions and add gel food coloring, one drop at a time. Mix the dough with your spatula until you achieve the desired color. Remember, less is more; too much food coloring can make the dough too thin.
Step 6: Load the Cookie Press
Fill your cookie press with the prepared dough, ensuring it’s packed evenly without air pockets. On your lined baking sheets, press the dough into your desired shapes, spacing them about 2 inches apart since these cookies don’t spread much during baking.
Step 7: Add Decorations
If you like, now is the time to sprinkle vibrant sprinkles over the cookie dough shapes. This will give your Buttery Spritz Cookies a festive touch, perfect for any holiday gathering. Feel free to get creative with your decorations!
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Carefully place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake the cookies for 5 to 8 minutes; for softer cookies, aim for the shorter 5-minute mark. Keep an eye on them; they should be set but lightly colored, signaling they’re ready to come out.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for about 4 to 5 minutes. This cooling time allows them to set properly. Afterward, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Make Ahead Options
These Buttery Spritz Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their deliciousness with minimal last-minute effort! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the quality of your cookies, make sure to tightly wrap the dough to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes for easier handling. Then, load it into your cookie press and press onto baking sheets as usual. Bake and cool as directed for cookies that taste just as fresh as if you made them the day of serving!
Expert Tips for Buttery Spritz Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for a uniform batter that results in perfectly soft cookies.
- Avoid Over-Mixing: Gently mix until just combined; over-mixing can lead to tough Buttery Spritz Cookies. Use a rubber spatula to finish mixing.
- Correct Dough Consistency: If the dough is too soft, chill for 10-15 minutes before pressing to maintain shape while baking.
- Test Bake: Always test one cookie first to check the consistency and bake time before committing the whole batch to the oven.
- Sprinkle Sparingly: For a beautiful presentation, add sprinkles lightly to avoid weighing down the delicate cookie shapes.
Storage Tips for Buttery Spritz Cookies
- Room Temperature: Keep baked Buttery Spritz Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Layer them with wax paper to prevent sticking.
- Fridge: If you need to store them for longer, place the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container. This helps maintain their freshness and firmness.
- Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: To enjoy them warm, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes, bringing back their delightful texture and buttery flavor.
Buttery Spritz Cookies Variations
Feel free to add your own twist to these classic cookies for even more joy and flavor!
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Flavor Extracts: Replace almond extract with peppermint or orange extract for a festive spin.
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Chocolate Chips: Mix in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for delightful bursts of flavor and texture.
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Alternative Colors: Use seasonal colors for gel food coloring, like pastels for spring or spooky hues for Halloween fun.
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Dipped Delights: Dip half of each baked cookie in melted chocolate for a rich finish that’s utterly irresistible.
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Unsweetened Coconut: Add flaked coconut into the dough for a tropical twist that adds both taste and texture.
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Spices: Incorporate pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for a warm, cozy taste that evokes holiday nostalgia.
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Fruity Flair: Fold in dried cranberries or cherries to introduce a hint of tartness that contrasts beautifully with the buttery dough.
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Festive Shapes: Use themed cookie cutters instead of a press for unique shapes like stars or hearts, perfect for any occasion!
For more delicious ideas, be sure to check out Chocolate Chips Cookies and get inspired by Easy Lemon Cake Mix Cookies. Enjoy your baking adventure!
What to Serve with Buttery Spritz Cookies
Elevate your holiday baking experience with delightful sides that enhance the buttery magic of these iconic cookies.
- Festive Hot Cocoa: A rich, creamy cup of hot cocoa brings warmth and indulgence to complement the sweet, delicate cookies.
- Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices of chai add depth to your cookie enjoyment, offering a cozy, comforting vibe.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of creamy whipped topping makes for a lovely addition, perfect for dipping or enjoying straight on the cookies.
- Fruit Platter: Fresh, seasonal fruits contrast beautifully with the rich flavors, balancing sweetness with a burst of freshness.
- Cheese Board: Include a selection of mild cheeses to contrast with the cookies’ sweetness—a surprising yet delightful combination!
- Holiday Punch: A glass of sparkling holiday punch infuses a celebratory atmosphere, perfectly pairing with the cheerful spritz cookies.
- Nut Brittle: The crunchy texture of nut brittle provides a delightful contrast, enhancing the cookie experience with each bite.
- Gingerbread: Serve alongside traditional gingerbread for a well-rounded holiday treat selection that celebrates festive flavors.
- Sugar-Cinnamon Nuts: These crunchy snacks add a warm, spiced flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the buttery sweetness of the cookies.
Buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of butter should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! Use unsalted butter for your Buttery Spritz Cookies to control the salt levels in your recipe. Be sure to let it come to room temperature instead of using cold butter; this will allow for better mixing and, ultimately, a fluffier cookie.
How should I store these cookies?
You can store your baked Buttery Spritz Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To help prevent any sticking, I recommend placing wax paper between layers of cookies. If you need them to last longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks!
Can I freeze Buttery Spritz Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies! To do so, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, making sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
What if my cookie dough is too soft?
If your dough feels too soft or warm, simply pop it in the refrigerator for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will help firm up the dough so that when you use the cookie press, it holds its shape better during baking. Also, avoid over-mixing to maintain the perfect texture!
Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
Sure! To make them vegan, try using a plant-based butter substitute and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, left to sit for 5 minutes). For a gluten-free option, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that it contains xanthan gum for proper structure.
What if I have allergies to nuts?
If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to use almond extract, feel free to substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract or a different flavor extract that suits your palate. The cookies will still be delicious, retaining their classic buttery goodness!
Buttery Spritz Cookies: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Delights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with silicone mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream room temperature butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract and mix on low speed until fully combined.
- Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- If desired, divide the dough and add gel food coloring one drop at a time, mixing until achieving preferred color.
- Fill the cookie press with the prepared dough and press onto lined baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Sprinkle sprinkles over the cookie dough shapes if desired.
- Bake cookies for 5 to 8 minutes, until set but lightly colored.
- Remove from oven and let cool on sheets for about 4 to 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
