Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies are a holiday classic, beloved for their buttery flavor, crisp texture, and festive shapes. Made using a cookie press, these delicate cookies are perfect for sharing during the holidays or enjoying with a cup of coffee. Their simplicity and versatility make them a timeless treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Buttery, tender cookies with a delicate crunch.
- Easy to customize with different shapes, colors, and decorations.
- Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or as a homemade gift.
- Quick to prepare with simple ingredients.
- A nostalgic recipe that evokes the spirit of the season.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract (or almond extract for a twist)
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles or sugar crystals (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Do not grease your baking sheets, as the dough sticks better to ungreased surfaces.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. If desired, divide the dough and add food coloring to each portion.
- Load the Cookie Press: Fill the cookie press with the dough and choose your desired disc shape.
- Press the Cookies: Press the cookies directly onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Decorate with sprinkles or sugar crystals if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Yields approximately 4 dozen cookies, depending on size.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Almond Flavor: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Spritz: Add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate version.
- Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Decorative Additions: Experiment with different sprinkles, nonpareils, or colored sugar to match various occasions.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. The dough can also be frozen for later use.
FAQs
Do I need a cookie press to make these cookies?
Yes, a cookie press is ideal for achieving the traditional shapes, but you can also roll and cut the dough if needed.
Why won’t the dough stick to the baking sheet?
Ensure the baking sheet is ungreased, as the dough needs a clean surface to adhere properly.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough or bake the cookies in advance and store them until needed.
What if I don’t have food coloring?
The cookies are delicious without coloring, but you can add a festive touch with sprinkles or sugar crystals.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles well for larger batches.
How do I ensure the cookies keep their shape?
Chill the dough briefly if it becomes too soft, and use a reliable cookie press.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough?
It’s best to keep the dough smooth for pressing, but you can decorate the tops with nuts or chocolate.
What’s the secret to soft spritz cookies?
Avoid overbaking and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges begin to turn golden.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
Use plant-based butter and an egg substitute like flaxseed meal (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies are a charming and delicious addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Their buttery flavor, delicate texture, and endless decorative possibilities make them a must-have for festive occasions. Whether you’re gifting them or enjoying them at home, these cookies bring joy and nostalgia with every bite!
PrintOld Fashioned Spritz Cookies
Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies are buttery, crisp, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Made with a simple dough and pressed into festive shapes, they’re a holiday classic perfect for decorating and sharing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 40–50 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional, for flavor)
- 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
For Decoration (Optional):
- Colored sugar, sprinkles, or nonpareils
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Do not grease the baking sheets—this helps the cookies stick to the pan when pressed.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Prepare the Cookie Press:
- Fill a cookie press with the dough, using your preferred shape disk.
4. Form the Cookies:
- Press the cookies directly onto the ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles, if desired.
5. Bake:
- Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake.
6. Cool:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- If you don’t have a cookie press, use a piping bag with a star tip to shape the dough.
- For a flavored variation, add 1 tsp of lemon or orange zest to the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.