Ah, spritz cookies! Just the thought of them brings back all those warm, fuzzy holiday memories. These delightful little treats are a staple in my kitchen during the festive season, and for good reason. They’re not only simple to whip up, but they’re also downright delicious! I remember the first time I made these with my grandma; we spent the afternoon laughing and decorating them in all sorts of colorful sugars. This spritz cookie recipe captures that spirit perfectly! With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and endless possibilities for shapes and decorations, these cookies are bound to become a cherished tradition in your home, just like they are in mine.
Ingredients for the Spritz Cookie Recipe
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Colored sugar for decoration
How to Prepare the Spritz Cookie Recipe
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this step is crucial for getting those cookies just right!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. I usually do this for about 3-5 minutes; it makes such a difference in texture!
- Next, add in the large egg and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is beautifully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to ensure that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed—no flour clumps, please!
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix; we want tender cookies, not tough ones!
- Now comes the fun part! Fill your cookie press with the dough. If you don’t have one, don’t worry; you can also use a piping bag with a star tip.
- Press the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, forming your favorite shapes. I like to make little trees and stars for the holidays!
- Before baking, sprinkle a bit of colored sugar on top of each cookie for that festive touch.
- Pop those trays into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; nobody likes burnt cookies!
- Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma in your kitchen right now is just heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Spritz Cookie Recipe
- Quick preparation time—whip them up in just about 20 minutes!
- Delicious flavor that’s buttery and sweet, making them irresistible.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings; they’re sure to impress your family and friends.
- Easy to customize with different shapes and decorations—let your creativity shine!
- Great for baking with kids; they’ll love pressing the dough and adding colorful sugars.
- These cookies store well, so you can enjoy them for days (if they last that long!).
Tips for Success with Your Spritz Cookie Recipe
- Butter Matters: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start. This helps create that light and fluffy texture we all love!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies—yikes!
- Experiment with Shapes: Use different discs on your cookie press or even a piping bag to create fun and unique shapes. Christmas trees, stars, or even hearts—let your imagination run wild!
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to press and shape without losing its form.
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on those cookies as they bake! They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Every oven is a little different!
- Decorate Generously: Don’t be shy with the colored sugar! A good sprinkle on top not only adds sweetness but makes them look festive and fun.
Variations on the Spritz Cookie Recipe
One of the best things about spritz cookies is their versatility! You can easily switch things up to keep your cookie game exciting. Here are some fun ideas for variations:
- Almond Bliss: Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a delightful twist. It adds a lovely nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible!
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in some unsweetened cocoa powder (about 1/4 cup) with your dry ingredients for a chocolatey version. Who can say no to chocolate spritz cookies?
- Festive Colors: Use different colored sugars or sprinkles to match any holiday theme. Red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter—let your creativity shine!
- Citrus Zing: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor. It brightens up the cookies beautifully!
- Nutty Additions: Stir in finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. Just be sure to adjust the flour slightly to maintain the right consistency.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas! The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own charm to the holiday cookie platter.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a delicious batch of spritz cookies, you might find it hard to resist eating them all in one sitting—trust me, I get it! But if you’ve got some leftovers (lucky you!), storing them properly is key to keeping them fresh and tasty.
To store your spritz cookies, simply place them in an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. These cookies can stay fresh at room temperature for about a week, but I bet they won’t last that long!
If you want to keep them for an even longer period, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cool before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just let them thaw at room temperature—no need to reheat, as they taste just as delightful chilled!
However, if you prefer a warm cookie, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it; you want them warm, not hot and gooey! Enjoy your spritz cookies fresh and festive all season long!
Nutritional Information for the Spritz Cookie Recipe
When it comes to enjoying these delightful spritz cookies, it’s always nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per cookie:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind, these numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. So go ahead, savor those cookies guilt-free, and enjoy every delightful bite!
FAQ About the Spritz Cookie Recipe
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but I really recommend sticking with unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture. Margarine can change the consistency a bit, and we want those cookies to be perfectly buttery!
How can I make the cookies more colorful?
Oh, you’re in for a treat! Use a variety of colored sugars or sprinkles to decorate your cookies before baking. You can also add a few drops of food coloring to the dough itself for a fun twist! Just remember to mix it in well for an even color.
What if I don’t have a cookie press?
No worries at all! If you don’t have a cookie press, you can use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to create the same fun shapes. Alternatively, you can roll the dough into small balls and flatten them with the bottom of a glass—simple and still delicious!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before you press or shape it for baking.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for the edges to be lightly golden—this is your cue! The centers should still look a little soft; they’ll firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking; no one likes a dry cookie!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this spritz cookie recipe! It’s such a joy to make these delightful cookies, and I truly hope they become a festive tradition in your home, just like they are in mine. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness paired with colorful decorations is always a hit, and I know your family and friends will love them!
After you bake up a batch (or two!), please share your experience! I’d love to hear how they turned out and any creative twists you added. Don’t be shy—leave a comment below or give the recipe a rating! Your feedback means the world to me, and it helps others discover the joy of making spritz cookies. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Spritz Cookie Recipe: 5 Sweet Variations to Cherish
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 dozen cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious spritz cookie recipe for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Colored sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
- Fill a cookie press with the dough and press onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Sprinkle colored sugar on top of each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use a variety of cookie shapes for fun.
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a different flavor, try almond extract instead of vanilla.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: spritz cookie recipe
