BEST Spritz Cookie Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

BEST Spritz Cookie Recipe - I Heart Naptime (1)

Jamielyn Nye
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These spritz cookies are a melt in your mouth holiday classic! All you need is a hand full of ingredients, a cookie press, and your favorite sprinkles to make these festive cookies in under an hour!

BEST Spritz Cookie Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2)

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Table of Contents

  • Perfect for a Cookie Exchange
  • What is the Difference Between a Sugar Cookie, a Spritz Cookie, and a Shortbread Cookie?
  • How to Make Spritz Cookies
  • Baking Tips
  • More Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
  • Spritz Cookies Printable Recipe

Perfect for a Cookie Exchange

Butter spritz cookies are a variation of butter cookies and are pressed with a cookie press into different Christmas shapes and decorated with different types of holiday sprinkles or colors. The main difference with spritz cookies is they have almond extract and are pressed into shapes.

These traditional buttery and sweet cookies are so yummy and a very pretty addition to any baking tray or cookie exchange. This recipe allows you to choose whether you want a softer or crunchier cookie which makes this the best spritz cookie recipe around. They freeze well and are something everyone looks forward to!

What is the Difference Between a Sugar Cookie, a Spritz Cookie, and a Shortbread Cookie?

All three cookies contain similar ingredients. This soft sugar cookies recipe is cut out using cookie cutters and usually have a bigger surface for decorating. Spritz cookies contain almond extract and are shaped using a cookie press. Whereas shortbread cookies are more firm because they do not contain an egg and contain more butter than the others.

Top with your favorite sprinkles or dip them in a simple powdered sugar icing. Drizzle with melted chocolate, or add a bit of food coloring for a twist. These cookies are customizable, each one as unique as the next!

If you don’t yet have a cookie press, you need one. And not just for this recipe. It’s so much fun, you’ll be finding any reason to use it all year long!

BEST Spritz Cookie Recipe - I Heart Naptime (3)

How to Make Spritz Cookies

  1. Prep. Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. By this time you should have your butter at room temperature.
  2. Cream. In a medium bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Using both the almond and vanilla give these cookies a lovely subtle flavor combination.
  3. Whisk. In a separate bowl, whisk in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Once combined, gradually pour into the sugar mixture and mix. If you want to make your cookies stand out even more with some food coloring, now is the time to add it in! Red and green are Christmas favorites!
  4. Chill. Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. This step isn’t a make or break step. It does help with the consistency of the cookie, but if you know you have no interest in crispy or crunchy cookies and prefer them soft, then by all means skip the chilling time.
  5. Press. Add the dough to your cookie press and follow its directions. Press the cookies straight down on the pan spacing them about an inch apart. If your cookie sticks to the press, not to worry, just gently use your hands to remove it and place it on the cookie sheet.
  6. Bake. Bake until the edges are just barely golden. Now, here’s where you get to decide whether you want them soft or crisp. For a crispier cookie, keep them in for a couple of minutes longer. Remove the sheet from the oven and place the cookies onto a cooling rack.
  7. Decorate. Enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, sprinkled, drizzled, or dipped in sprinkles and chocolate!
BEST Spritz Cookie Recipe - I Heart Naptime (4)

Baking Tips

  • If you don’t have a cookie press, use a piping bag for a similar result. You may need to add a little milk to make it less dense for the piping bag. The word Spritz is derived from the German word Spritzen which means to squirt. So, in essence, as long as you’re squirting some dough in some fashion, you’ve got yourself some spritz cookies!
  • Parchment paper is added security, but if you don’t have any you don’t need it. These cookies are buttery enough that they should come directly off the baking sheet with ease.
  • Using the press takes practice, so the first few might be a trial and error situation. The key is to keep it perpendicular to the baking sheet as well as using even pressure. I’m sure you’ll find someone in your house more than willing to eat the test batch!

Storing, Freezing & Shipping

  • Store. Keep these cookies in a covered container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze. If you have leftovers, have made a double batch, or were thinking ahead and made some for later, these freeze so well. Keep in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Once thawed you would think they were just made!
  • Ship. Package these cookies up and ship them to a loved one because they travel well! I like to wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then wrap a layer of bubble wrap. Receiving a package of beautifully decorated homemade cookies is one of the very best gifts.
BEST Spritz Cookie Recipe - I Heart Naptime (5)

More Cookie Recipes You’ll Love

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BEST Spritz Cookie Recipe - I Heart Naptime (10)

Spritz Cookies

5 from 3 votes

↑ Click stars to rate now!

Author: Jamielyn Nye

These spritz cookies are a melt in your mouth holiday classic! All you need is a hand full of ingredients, a cookie press, and your favorite sprinkles to make these festive cookies in under an hour!

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 6 minutes mins

Chill: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 46 minutes mins

Servings: 48

PrintRatePin

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt

Optional: Food coloring, sprinkles

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    • Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla and almond extract.

    • In a separate bowl, whisk in the flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually mix into the sugar mixture.If using food coloring, divide dough into bowls and mix in (I did red and green). Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.

    • Follow the direction on your cookie press and add the dough. Then press the cookies perpendicular onto the pan.Space them 1-inch apart.

    • Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are just barely turning golden. If you want them soft, take them out around 5 minutes or if you prefer a crisp cookie cook the full 7 minutes. Remove from oven and onto a cooling rack.

    • Enjoy plain or with powdered sugar icing.Store in a covered container.

    Notes

    Storage: Store in a covered container for 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat remove from the freezer and let thaw on the counter.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 69kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 26mg | Potassium: 17mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 123IU | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Course: Dessert

    Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

    Categorized as: American, Christmas, Cookies, Desserts, Freezer-Friendly, Holiday Cookies, Kid-Friendly, Valentine's Day

    BEST Spritz Cookie Recipe - I Heart Naptime (11)

    Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.

    More about Jamielyn Nye

    More holiday desserts

    • Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
    • Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
    • Cinnamon Roll Cookies

    Add a comment

    2 comments

      • Gina
      • BEST Spritz Cookie Recipe - I Heart Naptime (16)

      Spritz have always been my favorite out of sugar cookies and shortbread and its because of the lovely almond extract. Great recipe!

      • Reply
      • wilhelmina
      • BEST Spritz Cookie Recipe - I Heart Naptime (17)

      Spritz cookies are a holiday favorite! They are so fun to make and your recipe bakes up perfectly!

      • Reply
    BEST Spritz Cookie Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the difference between a spritz cookie and a butter cookie? ›

    These cookies are nearly identical, except for one ingredient: egg.

    What is the secret to using a cookie press? ›

    Here are some tips whether you're using a manual or electric cookie press.
    • Allow sufficient time. ...
    • Use only cookie press recipes. ...
    • Don't grease your cookie sheet. ...
    • Remove air from the press. ...
    • Hold the press flat on the baking sheet. ...
    • Don't overload the cookies. ...
    • Practice. ...
    • Pause before lifting.
    Oct 30, 2019

    Should you use parchment paper when baking spritz cookies? ›

    *Also don't grease the sheets or use parchment paper. Spritz cookies release easily when made right! *Don't let your dough sit out so long that it gets dry or so warm that the butter begins to separate.

    Why won't my spritz cookies come out of the press? ›

    If the dough is sticking to the bottom of the press instead of adhering to the pan, it might be too soft. Place it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 minutes and try again. Butter is highly recommended when making Spritz cookie dough.

    Why are my spritz cookies so flat? ›

    The Problem: The Butter Is Too Soft

    Room temperature butter is just the right consistency to incorporate air when it's creamed with sugar. These trapped air pockets result in risen, fluffy cookies. If the butter is any warmer, it won't incorporate enough air and your cookies will have less rise.

    Why do my spritz cookies taste like flour? ›

    Improper flour measurement is the #1 cause of your cookie dough being too dry or the cookies tasting like flour.

    Should spritz cookie dough be sticky? ›

    Press cookies out directly onto ungreased cookie sheets. Piped dough that doesn't look neat can be scraped off again and re-piped. If the dough becomes too sticky, refrigerate for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with colored sugar or decorate with candies as desired.

    Why are my spritz cookies spreading? ›

    Use an ungreased cookie sheet.

    Greasing your pan will cause your cookies to spread, so make sure to use an ungreased baking sheet. Also avoid using parchment paper on your cookie sheet.

    Why is my Spritz cookie dough crumbly? ›

    First, try adding more liquid to the dough. This can be milk, water, or even just a little bit of extra oil. If that doesn't work, you can try kneading the dough for a few minutes to help it come together. Lastly, if all else fails, you can always add in a few tablespoons of flour to help bind the dough together.

    How long will spritz cookies stay fresh? ›

    Layer delicate cookies, such as spritz or gingerbread men, between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container. So how long do cookies last like this? The cookies will stay fresh at room temperature or in the refrigerator up to 3 days, or freeze the cookies up to 3 months.

    How do you make spritz cookies not stick to the pan? ›

    So check your disc if your Spritz dough is not sticking to your pan. You must use cooled off cookie sheets so the cookies will stick to pan and come out of the press with no problem. Cookie sheets can not be warm. That is the answer.

    How do you get decorations to stick to spritz cookies? ›

    Decorating spritz cookies jimmies, sugars or nonpareils.

    If you add sprinkles after baking the cookie dough your sprinkles will not stick to your cookies without using melted candy or icing. Oftentimes, shaped sprinkles will melt in the oven so sticking with jimmies, sugar and nonpareils are best.

    Can you use store-bought cookie dough in a cookie press? ›

    Loading the Cookie Press

    To save time, buy premade cookie dough that comes in a log shape. Avoid using cookie dough that has big pieces like chocolate chips or nuts in it.

    Why is it called a spritz cookie? ›

    The name spritz comes from the German word spritzen, meaning "to squirt" because the soft dough is squirted or pushed through a cookie press to make fancy designs. Butter is responsible for the tender, rich texture and flavor of these incredible cookies.

    Are spritz cookies the same as shortbread? ›

    Spritz cookies are also similar to shortbread cookies, but spritz cookies usually contain an egg. Eggs help the spritz cookies hold their shape when baked, so they don't crumble like shortbread cookies do.

    Why are they called butter cookies? ›

    Butter cookies, also known as Danish butter cookies, are cookies originating in Denmark consisting of butter, flour, and sugar. They are similar to shortbread cookies. The butter cookie is often categorized as a "crisp cookie" due to its texture, caused in part by the quantity of butter and sugar.

    What are the 4 cookie types? ›

    Here are the 4 main types of cookies:
    • Session cookies. These are temporary web cookies that are only present as long as your web browser stays open or your session is active. ...
    • Persistent cookies. ...
    • Third-party cookies. ...
    • First-party cookies. ...
    • User experience. ...
    • Advertising and marketing. ...
    • Analytics and web optimization.
    May 22, 2023

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