Classic spritz cookies are the epitome of buttery, festive, and utterly irresistible treats! I can still remember the first time I made these delightful cookies with my grandma during the holidays. The kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of vanilla and almond as we pressed the dough into fun shapes, and we couldn’t wait to decorate them with colorful sprinkles. They always brought smiles to our faces and were a staple at family gatherings. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or simply a cozy afternoon, these cookies never fail to bring joy. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they’ve become a beloved tradition in so many homes!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these classic spritz cookies. Make sure to gather these ingredients before you start—you’ll be amazed at how simple they are!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted for a light texture
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature for easy mixing
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, which adds the perfect sweetness
- 1 large egg, bringing everything together
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for that warm, comforting flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, which gives a lovely nutty twist
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, to balance the sweetness
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration, to make them festive and fun!
How to Prepare Classic Spritz Cookies Buttery Festive and Irresistible
Making classic spritz cookies is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with delightful, buttery treats that look as good as they taste! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a batch ready in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and toasty.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the sifted all-purpose flour and salt to the bowl. Mix just until the flour is incorporated; don’t overmix!
- Now, fill your cookie press with the dough. Make sure it’s packed in there well for that perfect shape.
- Press the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one to allow for spreading.
- Sprinkle some colored sugar or festive sprinkles on top of each cookie to add that holiday cheer!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them—nobody likes burnt cookies!
- Once baked, let them cool on wire racks before you dive in and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for last-minute baking.
- Buttery flavor that melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more.
- Festive and colorful, making them a hit at any gathering.
- Great for kids to help decorate, adding to the fun!
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite flavors and colors.
Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to ensure your classic spritz cookies turn out perfectly every time!
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it much easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape when baked.
- Experiment with Shapes: Don’t hesitate to play around with different cookie press discs or even roll them into balls and flatten them slightly for a more rustic look. Each shape has its charm!
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened and your egg is at room temperature. This helps everything blend together smoothly and creates that light, fluffy texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake! They’re done when the edges are just lightly golden. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, and nobody wants that!
- Decorate with Flair: Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Try using different colored sugars, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for a fun twist.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up these classic spritz cookies! Here are a few of my favorite variations that you can try:
- Citrus Twist: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to your dough for a refreshing citrus flavor that brightens up the cookies.
- Chocolate Delight: Mix in some cocoa powder (about 1/4 cup) to create a chocolate version that’s just as buttery and festive.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Nutty Goodness: Swap the almond extract for hazelnut or pistachio extract for a unique nutty twist that adds depth to the flavor.
- Colorful Combinations: Use different colored sugars or sprinkles to match any holiday or occasion—think pastel for Easter or vibrant hues for a birthday party!
- Fill ‘Em Up: After baking, sandwich two cookies together with a layer of frosting or jam for a delightful surprise in each bite.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas! The beauty of spritz cookies is in their versatility, so get creative and have fun in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked a batch of these classic spritz cookies, you’ll want to keep them fresh and delicious! Here’s how to store them properly:
- Storage: Place your leftover cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay nice and soft for up to a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Freezing: If you’ve got a big batch or want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully! Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
- Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or they’ll get too soft. Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes—this gives them a lovely fresh-baked taste!
Now you can enjoy these delightful treats anytime, whether fresh out of the oven or a little later on. Happy munching!
Nutritional Information Section
Before you dive into these mouthwatering classic spritz cookies, here’s a quick look at their nutritional breakdown. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use.
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 1g
Enjoy these delightful treats in moderation, and you’ll be all set for a festive celebration!
FAQ Section
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine in a pinch, I highly recommend sticking with unsalted butter for that rich, buttery flavor that makes classic spritz cookies so irresistible!
What if I don’t have a cookie press?
No worries! You can simply roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass. They might not have the classic shapes, but they’ll still taste amazing!
How do I make the dough ahead of time?
If you want to prepare in advance, you can chill the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before you try to press it out.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
How can I ensure my cookies stay soft?
To keep your classic spritz cookies soft, make sure you don’t overbake them! Keep an eye on those edges; they should be just lightly golden. Also, storing them in an airtight container helps maintain that delightful softness.
Classic Spritz Cookies: 7 Buttery Festive Treats You Can’t Resist
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic spritz cookies are buttery, festive, and irresistible treats perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Fill a cookie press with the dough.
- Press cookies onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on wire racks before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different shapes for variety.
- Chill dough for easier handling if it’s too soft.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: spritz cookies, holiday cookies, festive treats
