I’ve always believed that spritz cookies hold a special kind of magic in their simplicity. These buttery little gems, with their delicate almond flavor, transport me right back to holiday gatherings where cookie platters took center stage. What makes them truly remarkable isn’t just their melt-in-your-mouth texture, but how impressive they look with minimal effort. You might wonder if you need special baking skills to create these elegant treats? Not at all—just a cookie press and a few basic ingredients will reveal a world of beautiful cookies that’ll have everyone asking for your secret.
Why You’ll Love these Spritz Cookies
Nostalgia hits different when it comes in cookie form. These classic spritz cookies deliver that warm, familiar feeling with each buttery bite.
I’m obsessed with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and how the almond extract gives them that signature flavor you can’t quite place but can’t stop craving.
What makes these cookies truly special? They’re incredibly versatile.
Need a last-minute dessert? These come together in minutes.
Want to impress guests? The elegant shapes from the cookie press look way more complicated than they actually are.
Plus, they’re perfect for customizing with different colors and sprinkles for any holiday or occasion.
What Ingredients are in Spritz Cookies?
These classic buttery treats require just a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
The quality of your butter and extracts really makes a difference in these cookies—I recommend using real butter and pure vanilla and almond extracts for the most authentic, rich flavor profile.
How to Make these Spritz Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting your oven to the right temperature before baking is essential for these delicate cookies to bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Together
In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer, and you’ll notice the mixture becoming pale and increasing in volume. Using a stand mixer kitchen appliance can make this process much easier and more efficient.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract to your butter-sugar mixture.
The almond extract is what gives spritz cookies their distinctive flavor, so don’t skip it if possible!
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt (if using) to the wet ingredients.
Mix until just combined—overmixing can make your cookies tough rather than tender.
Step 5: Load the Cookie Press
Fill your cookie press with the dough according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you’re new to using a cookie press, it might take a few tries to get the hang of it, but don’t worry—even the “mess-ups” taste delicious.
Step 6: Press Cookies onto Baking Sheet
Press the dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
The cookies won’t spread much, but they still need a little room to breathe.
Step 7: Add Optional Decorations
If you’d like, add sprinkles or other decorations to the tops of your cookies.
This is a great way to customize them for holidays or special occasions—red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, you get the idea.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Bake the cookies for 6-10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
These cookies bake quickly, so keep an eye on them—they can go from perfectly done to overdone in a flash!
What to Serve with Spritz Cookies
These buttery, almond-scented cookies are delightful on their own, but why not create a complete experience? A mug of hot cocoa makes the perfect warming companion, especially when topped with a dollop of whipped cream.
For tea lovers, a cup of Earl Grey or chai brings out the subtle almond notes beautifully.
If you’re serving these at a holiday gathering, pair them with a dessert cheese board featuring mild options like Brie or mascarpone with honey drizzle.
For the grown-ups, a small glass of dessert wine or amaretto liqueur complements the almond flavor wonderfully.
And let’s not forget the classic—a cold glass of milk is simply unbeatable with any cookie, especially these delicate spritz beauties.
Spritz Cookies Substitutions and Variations
- Butter alternatives: Use dairy-free margarine for lactose intolerance, or try coconut oil (use ¾ cup solid coconut oil) for a subtle tropical hint.
- Flour swaps: Replace all-purpose with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious!
- Extract options: No almond extract? Double the vanilla or try lemon, orange, or maple extract for unique flavor profiles.
- Sugar substitutions: Reduce to ½ cup for less sweetness, or try powdered sugar for more delicate cookies. Coconut sugar works too, but will darken the color.
- Festive add-ins: Fold in mini chocolate chips, finely chopped nuts, or 1-2 teaspoons of citrus zest.
- Colorful twists: Divide dough and add food coloring for rainbow cookies, or roll edges in colored sugar before baking.
- Decadent finish: Dip cooled cookies halfway in melted chocolate and add a sprinkle of sea salt.
Leftovers and Storage for these Spritz Cookies
These delicate butter cookies keep beautifully when stored properly. Here’s how to maintain their freshness:
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- For longer storage, freeze cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Cookie dough can also be frozen! Shape it into a log, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator before using in your cookie press.
- To refresh slightly stale cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes.
- Unlike some desserts, spritz cookies are actually best enjoyed fresh rather than the next day, as their delicate texture is at its prime shortly after baking.
Final Thoughts
These classic spritz cookies, with their perfect buttery texture and hint of almond, bring a special touch of elegance to any cookie platter.
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the distinctive shapes pressed from vintage cookie presses—whether stars, trees, or wreaths. They’re particularly perfect during the holiday season when their festive appearance adds charm to gift boxes and cookie exchanges, though their simplicity makes them delightful year-round.
What makes them truly special is how they balance being both impressive and approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
In a world of complicated desserts, sometimes it’s the simple butter cookie, fresh from the oven, that creates the sweetest memories around the table.