Classic Spritz Cookies Recipe

Name: Classic Spritz Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg yolk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Food coloring (optional); Sprinkles or decorations (optional)

Author: Tessa

Published: July 21, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Spritz cookies have been a staple in my kitchen for as long as I can remember, especially around the holidays. There’s just something so magical about pressing out those delicate, buttery shapes! I remember my grandmother, with flour dusted on her apron, letting me turn the handle on her old cookie press, and I felt like the most important helper in the world. Now, I love sharing that same simple joy with my own family. These aren’t just any old cookies; they’re tender, melt-in-your-mouth delights that are surprisingly easy to make and incredibly versatile. Whether you want to add a splash of color for a party or keep them classic for a cozy evening, these Spritz cookies are perfect. Trust me, after countless batches and a few cookie press adventures, I’ve perfected this recipe to bring you pure cookie bliss!

Why You’ll Adore These Spritz Cookies

You are going to absolutely fall in love with these Spritz cookies, and I can tell you why! They’re not just beautiful; they’re incredibly delicious and so much fun to make. Here’s what makes them truly special:

Irresistibly Buttery & Tender: Every bite melts in your mouth, leaving that perfect buttery sweetness.
Quick & Easy Prep: No chilling required for the dough, meaning you can go from mixing bowl to warm cookies in under an hour.
Endless Customization: Play with food coloring, sprinkles, and different press discs to match any holiday or theme.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From festive holiday platters to simple afternoon treats, these cookies fit right in.

Spritz Cookies - detail 1

The Magic of Spritz Cookies: Quick and Easy

The real magic of Spritz cookies lies in their simplicity. They’re a dream for busy bakers because they require minimal fuss for maximum reward! With a cookie press, you can churn out dozens of perfectly shaped, beautiful cookies in no time at all, making them a go-to for impromptu gatherings or when you need a sweet fix fast.

Essential Tools for Perfect Spritz Cookies

While the recipe itself is quite straightforward, having the right tools makes all the difference when you’re making Spritz cookies. The star of the show is definitely the cookie press; it’s what gives these cookies their signature intricate shapes. And don’t underestimate the power of parchment paper – it ensures your beautiful cookies don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze!

Your Spritz Cookie Equipment Checklist

Cookie press with various discs
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Large mixing bowls
Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)

Ingredients for Classic Spritz Cookies

Making delicious Spritz cookies starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays. You don’t need a long list, but quality and proper preparation are key! Here’s exactly what you’ll need to create that perfect, tender crumb:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: This is the foundation of our buttery cookies! Using unsalted butter allows us to control the salt content, and softened butter is crucial for creaming properly with the sugar, creating that light, airy texture.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness and helps with browning. It also works with the butter to create air pockets.
1 large egg yolk: This adds richness, helps bind the dough, and contributes to the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture without making the cookies tough.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Essential for that classic, warm, and inviting flavor profile. Don’t skimp on good quality vanilla!
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of our cookies. Make sure to measure it correctly – too much can make the cookies dry and stiff.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Food coloring (optional): For festive fun! Gel food coloring works best for vibrant hues without adding too much liquid.
Sprinkles or decorations (optional): To make your Spritz cookies extra special and visually appealing.

Getting Your Spritz Cookie Ingredients Ready

Before you even think about mixing, make sure your ingredients are prepped! Your butter needs to be truly softened – not melted, but soft enough to easily indent with your finger. And that egg yolk? Room temperature is best. These small steps ensure your Spritz cookie dough comes together smoothly and has the ideal consistency for pressing.

Crafting Your Spritz Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide

Making these delightful Spritz cookies is a fun and rewarding process, and I’m going to walk you through every step to ensure your success. The key is to pay attention to the details, especially when it comes to dough consistency and baking time. Don’t worry, it’s much easier than it sounds, and you’ll be a Spritz cookie pro in no time!

First things first, let’s get that oven ready. You’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before you even start mixing. This ensures a consistent baking temperature from the moment your cookies hit the heat. While the oven preheats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This is a crucial step – do not grease your baking sheets! The dough needs a little grip to stick to the pan when you press it out, otherwise, your shapes won’t form properly. I’ve made that mistake before, and trust me, it’s frustrating!

Once your ingredients are ready and your oven is heating, we’ll move on to mixing the dough. This is where the magic really begins. Remember to mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want tender, melt-in-your-mouth Spritz cookies. If you’re planning on coloring your dough, now is the time to divide it up. Then, the fun part: loading your cookie press and creating all those beautiful shapes! Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie for even baking. Finally, a quick bake and a gentle cool, and you’ll have a batch of perfect Spritz cookies ready to enjoy.

Mixing the Dough for Spritz Cookies

In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter and granulated sugar until they are beautifully light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Next, beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing just until the flour disappears. Resist the urge to overmix; a tender Spritz cookie is a happy cookie!

Pressing and Decorating Your Spritz Cookies

If you’re using food coloring, divide your dough now and mix in your desired colors. Load the dough into your cookie press, fitted with your favorite disc. Press the cookies onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch of space between each one. This ensures they bake evenly and don’t spread into each other. If you’re adding sprinkles or other decorations, do it right after pressing the Spritz cookies, before they go into the oven.

Baking and Cooling Spritz Cookies

Bake your Spritz cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as ovens can vary! Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for a minute or two before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and prevents breakage.

Tips for Achieving the Best Spritz Cookies

Crafting truly perfect Spritz cookies is all about a few key details. First, dough consistency is king! It needs to be pliable enough to press easily but firm enough to hold its shape. Don’t be afraid to make small adjustments. Oven temperature is also critical; a consistent heat ensures even baking and prevents over-browning. Always trust your oven thermometer over the dial. Finally, for storage, keep your baked Spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, perfect for sharing (or secretly hoarding!).

Troubleshooting Your Spritz Cookies Dough

If your Spritz cookies dough feels too stiff to press, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it’s workable. If it’s too soft and not holding its shape, chill it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to firm it up. These quick fixes are vital for consistent results!

Frequently Asked Questions About Spritz Cookies

I get a lot of questions about these delightful Spritz cookies, and I’m always happy to share my insights! Here are some of the most common things people ask, along with my best advice to help you master your own batch of these buttery treats:

Can I Make Spritz Cookies Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough for your Spritz cookies up to 3 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before pressing. Once baked, the cooled cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or frozen for up to 3 months.

What if My Spritz Cookies Don’t Hold Their Shape?

This is a common issue and usually points to one of two things: your dough consistency or your baking sheets. First, ensure your dough isn’t too soft; if it is, chill it for 15-30 minutes. Second, NEVER grease your baking sheets for Spritz cookies! The dough needs to adhere slightly to the ungreased surface for the cookie press to work correctly and for the shapes to hold as they bake.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Spritz Cookies

Here’s an estimated look at the nutritional content for one of these delightful Spritz cookies. Please remember that these values are approximations and can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use and any optional additions like sprinkles or food coloring. It’s a general guide to help you understand the breakdown of these tasty treats.