Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies are delicate, buttery cookies with a tender texture, a lightly golden finish, and beautiful decorative shapes that make them perfect for holiday baking. Made with simple ingredients such as butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and all-purpose flour, these classic cookies are easy to prepare and wonderful to share with family and friends.
Spritz cookies have a special place in Christmas baking because they can be shaped into miniature wreaths, Christmas trees, flowers, hearts, and other festive designs using a cookie press. Their charming appearance makes them look impressive on a holiday dessert table, even though the dough itself is straightforward to prepare.
One of the best things about this recipe is its buttery flavor. The vanilla and almond extracts complement the butter without overpowering it, creating a delicate cookie that tastes delicious on its own. You can also customize the dough with gel food coloring, decorate the cookies with sprinkles, or finish them with a drizzle of melted white chocolate.
Unlike many decorated Christmas cookies, spritz cookies do not require rolling out dough, cutting shapes, or spending hours applying icing. A cookie press does most of the shaping work, allowing you to prepare approximately 60 small cookies from one batch.
These Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies are ideal for Christmas cookie exchanges, holiday parties, homemade gifts, or a simple afternoon treat with coffee or tea. Whether you keep them plain or decorate them with colorful sprinkles, they bring a traditional, homemade touch to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love These Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies
There are many reasons to add this classic butter cookie recipe to your collection of holiday favorites.
1. Rich, Buttery Flavor
Butter is the main ingredient responsible for the cookies’ rich taste and tender texture. Combined with sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract, it creates a delicate flavor that feels traditional and comforting.
The almond extract adds a subtle aromatic note that distinguishes these cookies from ordinary vanilla butter cookies. It complements the butter without making the cookies taste overwhelmingly sweet.
Because the recipe uses familiar flavors, these cookies appeal to people who enjoy simple, classic homemade desserts.
2. Beautiful Decorative Shapes
Spritz cookies are traditionally made with a cookie press fitted with decorative disks. This tool allows you to create consistent shapes directly on the baking sheet.
Depending on the disks you choose, you can make wreaths, Christmas trees, snowflakes, hearts, flowers, and other designs. The small shapes are attractive even before decorating, so you do not need elaborate icing techniques to create a beautiful result.
A cookie press also helps make the cookies uniform in size, which is useful when preparing a large batch for sharing.
3. Simple Ingredients
The basic recipe requires just eight ingredients, including the butter, sugar, egg, extracts, flour, baking powder, and salt.
Most of these ingredients are common pantry staples. You do not need unusual flavorings, complicated fillings, or special decorating supplies to make the traditional version.
Once you have the ingredients measured, the dough comes together in a few straightforward steps.
4. A Quick Baking Time
These cookies bake at 400°F for approximately 7 to 9 minutes.
Their small size means they cook quickly, making them practical for holiday baking when you want to prepare several batches in one session.
Because they bake so quickly, it is important to watch them closely near the end of the baking time. The edges should become lightly golden without the cookies turning deeply brown.
5. Easy to Customize
The original recipe offers several ways to change the flavor and appearance of the cookies.
You can replace the almond extract with lemon extract or rum extract, add cocoa powder for a chocolate version, or use gel food coloring to create colorful dough.
Sprinkles, melted white chocolate, and melted milk chocolate also provide simple decorating options.
This flexibility makes it possible to create several varieties of cookies from the same basic recipe.
6. Perfect for Christmas Cookie Exchanges
Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies are especially suited to Christmas celebrations. Their small size, decorative shapes, and buttery flavor make them a natural addition to a holiday cookie platter.
They are also convenient for homemade gifts. Arrange the cooled cookies in a food-safe tin or gift box, separating layers carefully to protect the shapes.
With a yield of approximately 60 cookies, one batch can provide plenty of treats to share.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies
This recipe uses a simple butter cookie dough flavored with vanilla and almond extracts. The following quantities follow the original recipe.
1. Unsalted Butter
Amount: 1 1/2 cups, softened
Butter provides the rich flavor and tender texture that define these cookies. The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of softened unsalted butter, which is equivalent to three standard sticks of butter in the United States.
Allow the butter to reach room temperature before mixing. It should be soft enough to blend smoothly with the sugar but should still hold its shape.
Butter that is too cold may not cream properly, while excessively soft butter can make the dough difficult to handle.
2. Sugar
Amount: 1 cup
Granulated sugar sweetens the cookies and contributes to their delicate texture.
Measure the sugar accurately and beat it with the softened butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step helps create a smooth base for the remaining ingredients.
The recipe does not require a separate sugar coating because the sweetness is incorporated directly into the dough.
3. Egg
Amount: 1 large egg
The egg helps bind the ingredients and provides structure. Spritz cookies are similar to shortbread because they contain a relatively high proportion of butter, but the egg helps the baked cookies hold together rather than crumble easily.
Use one large egg, as specified in the original recipe.
4. Vanilla Extract
Amount: 1 teaspoon
Vanilla extract adds a familiar sweet aroma and complements the buttery flavor.
It works alongside the almond extract to give the cookies a balanced, classic taste.
5. Almond Extract
Amount: 1/2 teaspoon
Almond extract provides the distinctive flavor associated with many traditional spritz cookie recipes.
Its aroma is concentrated, so the specified half teaspoon is enough to add character without overwhelming the other ingredients.
If you do not enjoy almond flavor, the original recipe suggests replacing it with lemon extract or rum extract.
6. All-Purpose Flour
Amount: 3 1/2 cups
All-purpose flour provides the structure needed for the cookies to hold their decorative shapes.
Measuring the flour carefully is important because the dough must be soft enough to pass through the cookie press while remaining firm enough to maintain its pattern.
Too much flour may make the dough stiff and difficult to press. Too little can affect how well the cookies hold their shape.
7. Baking Powder
Amount: 1 teaspoon
Baking powder provides a little lift during baking.
It helps create the intended cookie texture while allowing the pressed shapes to remain recognizable.
Measure the baking powder accurately and distribute it evenly throughout the flour.
8. Salt
Amount: 1/2 teaspoon
Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor.
Although the recipe produces sweet cookies, the salt helps keep the flavor from tasting flat.
Optional Decorations
The original recipe suggests several optional decorating ingredients:
- Assorted sprinkles.
- Gel food coloring.
- Melted white chocolate.
You can use these ingredients to create colorful holiday cookies without changing the basic dough.
For the most traditional appearance, leave some cookies plain and decorate others with different colors and finishes.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
A cookie press is the most important tool for making traditional spritz cookies. It allows you to press the dough into decorative shapes directly onto the baking sheet.
Gather the following equipment before beginning:
- A stand mixer or hand mixer.
- A mixing bowl.
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
- A rubber spatula.
- A cookie press with decorative disks.
- Clean, dry, ungreased baking sheets.
- A wire cooling rack, if desired.
- Small bowls for sprinkles or melted chocolate.
- A spoon or piping bag for chocolate decoration.
The original recipe recommends using a cookie press, although a piping bag fitted with a large tip can be an alternative. The source notes that if you use a piping bag, you may need to add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to make the dough pipeable. This is an alternative method rather than part of the original ingredient list, so the dough consistency may differ.
How to Make Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies
Follow these steps to prepare the dough, press the cookies, and bake them until their edges are lightly golden.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (approximately 204°C).
Prepare a clean, dry baking sheet, making sure it is at room temperature and completely ungreased.
These details are particularly important when using a cookie press. The dough needs to adhere to the baking sheet as it is pressed out. Grease, parchment paper, or a silicone baking mat can interfere with this process.
If your baking sheet is still warm from a previous batch, allow it to cool completely before using it again.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Place the softened butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. You can also use a hand mixer.
Beat the ingredients for approximately 2 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. This helps ensure that the butter and sugar are evenly incorporated.
Properly creamed butter and sugar create a smooth base for the dough. The mixture should look lighter and more uniform than the butter did on its own.
Avoid using melted butter, as the recipe is designed for softened butter that can be creamed with sugar.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Add the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed butter mixture.
Beat until the ingredients are combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
The egg helps bind the dough, while the extracts provide the cookies’ characteristic flavor.
Make sure the extracts are evenly distributed before adding the dry ingredients. This helps prevent concentrated areas of almond or vanilla flavor in the finished cookies.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the bowl.
Beat until the ingredients are just combined. Avoid mixing longer than necessary once the flour has been incorporated.
The dough should be smooth and workable, with enough structure to pass through the cookie press.
If you want to color the dough, this is a convenient stage to do so. The original recipe suggests dividing the dough into portions and mixing gel food coloring into each portion.
Step 5: Color the Dough if Desired
Food coloring is optional. You can keep the entire batch its natural buttery color or create several festive shades.
For a multicolored assortment, divide the dough into separate portions and add a small amount of gel food coloring to each one.
Mix until the color is evenly distributed. Gel food coloring is useful because it provides concentrated color without adding much liquid to the dough.
Red and green are classic Christmas choices, but other colors can be used to match your celebration or preferred cookie designs.
If you are making several colors, keep the portions separate until you are ready to fill the cookie press.
Step 6: Fill the Cookie Press
Choose the decorative disk you want to use and fit it into the cookie press according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Load a portion of dough into the press. Avoid overfilling it if doing so makes the press difficult to operate.
If you are making several designs, you can change the disk between batches or use different colored dough with different shapes.
The cookie press makes it possible to produce consistent miniature cookies without rolling out the dough or using individual cookie cutters.
Step 7: Press the Cookies onto the Baking Sheet
Position the cookie press directly over the clean, dry, ungreased baking sheet.
Press the dough into your chosen shapes, following the instructions for your cookie press.
The original recipe notes that these cookies do not spread significantly, so you do not need to leave much space between them.
Arrange the shapes evenly so that they are easy to bake and remove later.
If the dough does not release properly from the press, check the condition of the baking sheet. It should be clean, dry, ungreased, and at room temperature.
Step 8: Decorate Before Baking if Desired
You can bake the cookies plain or add decorations before they go into the oven.
The original recipe suggests using assorted sprinkles, sanding sugar, dragées, or other suitable decorations.
If the sprinkles do not stick to the dough, brush the tops very lightly with water before adding them.
For wreath-shaped cookies, you can also place a candied cherry in the center as a decorative option.
Keep the decorations light enough that the delicate cookie shapes remain visible.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Because spritz cookies are small, they can bake quickly. Begin checking them near the lower end of the recommended time range.
The cookies should retain their decorative shapes, with lightly golden edges and a relatively pale center.
Avoid waiting until the entire cookie becomes dark brown, as this may make the texture drier and the flavor more toasted than intended.
Step 10: Remove and Cool the Cookies
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven when the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to settle before handling them. Their small shapes can be delicate while warm, so use care when transferring them.
Let the cookies cool before applying decorations that need a firm surface, such as melted chocolate.
Step 11: Add Decorations After Baking
If you did not decorate the cookies before baking, you can finish them after they have cooled.
The original recipe suggests drizzling the cookies with melted white chocolate or milk chocolate, or dipping them halfway into melted chocolate.
You can also add sprinkles to the melted chocolate before it sets.
For sprinkles applied directly to baked cookies, the source suggests brushing the tops very lightly with corn syrup to help them adhere.
Use a thin layer so the cookies do not become overly sticky.
Step 12: Arrange and Serve
Once the cookies have cooled and any decorations have set, arrange them on a serving plate or store them in a suitable container.
You can combine plain, colored, sprinkled, and chocolate-drizzled cookies to create a varied presentation.
Serve them with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, or package them as homemade holiday gifts.
Expert Tips for the Best Spritz Cookies
A few important details can help you get the best results from this traditional recipe.
Keep the Baking Sheet Clean, Dry, and Ungreased
This is one of the most important tips in the original recipe.
Spritz dough needs to adhere to the baking sheet when pressed through the cookie press. Grease, parchment paper, or a silicone mat may prevent the dough from sticking properly.
Use a clean, dry baking sheet and make sure it is at room temperature.
Use Room-Temperature Butter
Softened butter is easier to cream with sugar than cold butter.
However, the butter should not be melted or excessively warm. The right consistency helps create a smooth dough that is suitable for pressing.
Avoid Overmixing After Adding Flour
Once the flour, baking powder, and salt have been incorporated, stop mixing.
Excessive mixing can affect the dough’s texture and make it more difficult to handle.
Check the Dough Before Filling the Press
The dough should be soft enough to press but firm enough to hold its decorative shape.
If it is too soft, the source recommends covering it and refrigerating it for 30 to 45 minutes.
If the dough is too stiff, avoid making untested ingredient changes. First check your measurements and confirm that the butter was properly softened.
Work with a Cool Baking Sheet
A warm baking sheet can cause the dough to soften and pull away from the cookie press.
If you are baking several batches, allow the baking sheet to return to room temperature before pressing more dough onto it.
Watch the Baking Time
Bake for 7 to 9 minutes and look for lightly golden edges.
These cookies are small, so even a short additional period in the oven can change their color and texture.
Decorate with a Light Touch
Sprinkles, chocolate, and gel food coloring can create beautiful results, but the cookies are delicate.
Avoid adding so much decoration that it hides the pressed patterns or overwhelms the buttery flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Parchment Paper or a Silicone Baking Mat
The original recipe specifically advises pressing the dough directly onto an ungreased baking sheet.
Parchment paper and silicone mats may prevent the dough from adhering properly to the surface, making it difficult to release the intended shapes from the press.
Starting with a Warm Baking Sheet
A warm baking sheet can cause the dough to soften and pull away as you lift the cookie press.
Always begin with a baking sheet that is at room temperature.
Using Butter That Is Too Cold
Cold butter may not cream properly with the sugar, which can make the dough less uniform.
Allow the butter to soften before mixing.
Adding Too Much Flour
Excess flour can make the dough stiff and difficult to press.
Measure the flour carefully and avoid adding extra flour simply because the dough feels soft.
Overbaking
Spritz cookies should have lightly golden edges rather than a deeply browned surface.
Check them during the recommended 7- to 9-minute baking window.
Adding Sprinkles Without Helping Them Adhere
If sprinkles do not stick to unbaked dough, lightly brush the tops with water, as suggested in the original recipe.
For decorations added after baking, a thin layer of corn syrup can help the sprinkles adhere.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best features of Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies is how easily you can change the flavor without replacing the entire recipe.
1. Lemon Spritz Cookies
For a citrus-inspired variation, replace the almond extract with lemon extract and add the zest of one lemon to the dough.
The lemon adds a bright flavor that complements the butter and sugar.
Prepare the dough using the same basic method, incorporating the lemon extract and zest before adding the flour.
These cookies are especially appealing if you want a flavor that is lighter and more citrus-forward than the traditional almond version.
2. Rum-Flavor Spritz Cookies
Replace the almond extract with rum extract, following the original recipe’s suggested variation.
Rum extract provides a different aromatic note while keeping the same basic cookie dough.
This option is useful when you want to offer a variety of flavors without changing the preparation method.
3. Chocolate Spritz Cookies
For chocolate spritz cookies, the source recipe recommends replacing 1/2 cup of flour with 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, using 3 cups of flour and 1/2 cup of cocoa powder in total.
This creates a chocolate-flavored dough while maintaining the general structure of the recipe.
Mix the cocoa powder with the flour, baking powder, and salt before incorporating the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.
The chocolate version can be left plain, decorated with sprinkles, or finished with melted white chocolate for contrast.
4. Colorful Christmas Spritz Cookies
Gel food coloring makes it easy to create festive cookies in red, green, white, or other shades.
Divide the dough into separate portions and mix a small amount of gel coloring into each one.
Press the colored dough into different shapes, or use the same shape in several colors to create a coordinated assortment.
This variation is particularly useful for holiday cookie platters and gift boxes.
5. Sprinkle-Topped Spritz Cookies
Add nonpareils, sanding sugar, or other suitable sprinkles before baking.
If the sprinkles do not adhere, lightly brush the tops of the cookies with water before applying them.
You can also press larger decorative dragées into the dough for a different appearance.
6. White Chocolate Spritz Cookies
After baking and cooling the cookies, drizzle them with melted white chocolate.
You can create thin lines across the tops or dip half of each cookie into the chocolate.
Add sprinkles while the chocolate is still melted if you want extra color.
Allow the chocolate to set before arranging the cookies in a storage container.
7. Half-Dipped Chocolate Spritz Cookies
Melted milk chocolate can be used to dip half of each cooled cookie.
This creates a contrast between the pale buttery cookie and the darker chocolate coating.
Place the dipped cookies on a suitable surface until the chocolate sets. Parchment paper can be used for this post-baking decorating step.
8. Wreath Spritz Cookies with Candied Cherries
If you use a wreath-shaped cookie press disk, the center can be decorated with a candied cherry.
The original recipe suggests adding a candied cherry to the middle of each wreath before baking.
This creates a festive appearance without requiring a separate glaze or icing.
How to Store Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies
Proper storage helps maintain the flavor and texture of these delicate cookies.
At Room Temperature
Allow the cookies to cool completely before placing them in a suitable airtight container.
Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
For decorated cookies, make sure any melted chocolate has set before stacking them. Separating layers with wax paper can help protect the shapes and decorations.
The original recipe does not specify an exact room-temperature storage duration, so this article does not assign a verified number of days.
Can You Freeze Spritz Cookies?
Yes. The original recipe states that baked spritz cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To freeze them:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely.
- Place them in a resealable freezer bag or freezer-safe container.
- Separate layers with a piece of wax paper.
- Seal the container or bag securely.
- Label it with the date before placing it in the freezer.
This method helps protect the cookies from sticking together and makes it easier to remove individual portions later.
How to Thaw Frozen Spritz Cookies
The source recommends defrosting frozen spritz cookies at room temperature for several hours.
Keep the cookies protected while thawing to help preserve their shape and texture.
If the cookies have chocolate decorations, allow them to thaw without stacking them tightly together until the chocolate is stable.
Can You Prepare Them Ahead for Christmas?
Yes. Spritz cookies are convenient for holiday preparation because the baked cookies can be frozen for up to three months.
Prepare the cookies, cool them completely, and freeze them in a suitable container with wax paper between layers.
When you are ready to serve them, thaw them at room temperature for several hours.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies
These cookies are versatile enough for everyday treats, holiday celebrations, and homemade gifts.
With coffee: The buttery flavor pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, making spritz cookies a pleasant morning or afternoon treat.
With tea: Serve them alongside black tea or your favorite herbal tea for a simple dessert.
With hot chocolate: Chocolate drinks complement the delicate butter flavor and work especially well during the holiday season.
On a Christmas cookie platter: Arrange plain, colored, chocolate-drizzled, and sprinkle-topped cookies together for a colorful assortment.
As homemade gifts: Place the cooled cookies in a food-safe tin or gift box. Use wax paper between layers to protect the decorative shapes.
At cookie exchanges: Their small size makes them easy to share, while their different shapes and colors create an attractive display.
For family gatherings: Serve them on a plate alongside other homemade desserts. Their delicate texture makes them a welcome addition to a mixed cookie selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies?
Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies are small butter cookies made from a dough that is pressed through a decorative cookie press.
The dough typically contains butter, sugar, egg, flour, and flavor extracts. The cookies are known for their delicate texture and decorative shapes.
Do I Need a Cookie Press?
A cookie press is strongly recommended for this recipe because it creates the traditional spritz shapes.
The original source notes that a piping bag fitted with a large tip can be used as an alternative. However, you may need to add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to make the dough pipeable, and the result may differ from the original pressed cookies.
Why Won’t My Spritz Cookies Stick to the Baking Sheet?
The baking sheet should be clean, dry, ungreased, and at room temperature.
Do not use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat when following the original method, because the dough needs to adhere directly to the baking sheet as it comes out of the press.
Should I Chill the Dough?
Only if it is too soft.
The source recommends covering and refrigerating the dough for 30 to 45 minutes when necessary. If the dough is already suitable for pressing, you can proceed without chilling.
What Temperature Should I Use?
Preheat the oven to 400°F (approximately 204°C).
This is the temperature specified in the original recipe.
How Long Do Spritz Cookies Bake?
Bake them for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Since the cookies are small, check them near the lower end of the baking range.
Can I Use a Different Extract?
Yes. The original recipe suggests replacing the almond extract with lemon extract or rum extract.
These substitutions change the flavor while keeping the basic dough preparation the same.
Can I Make Chocolate Spritz Cookies?
Yes. Replace 1/2 cup of flour with 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, using 3 cups of flour and 1/2 cup of cocoa powder in total.
Mix the dry ingredients together before adding them to the butter mixture.
When Should I Add Sprinkles?
You can decorate the cookies either before or after baking.
Before baking, add sprinkles to the shaped dough. If they do not stick, lightly brush the tops with water.
After baking, brush the cookies very lightly with corn syrup to help the sprinkles adhere.
Can I Freeze Spritz Cookies?
Yes. The original recipe states that they can be frozen for up to three months.
Store them in a resealable freezer bag or freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Thaw at room temperature for several hours before serving.
Are Spritz Cookies Similar to Shortbread?
They are similar in that they contain a relatively high proportion of butter compared with flour.
However, this recipe includes an egg, which helps the cookies hold together rather than crumble as easily as some shortbread cookies.
Can I Make These Cookies for Christmas Gifts?
Absolutely. Their small size and decorative shapes make them suitable for homemade gifts.
Allow the cookies to cool completely, and make sure any chocolate decorations have set before placing them in a food-safe gift box or tin.
Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Recipe Card
Recipe name: Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies
Author: Kate Shungu
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: German
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 8 minutes
Total time listed in the recipe: 28 minutes
Yield: 60 cookies
Calories: 81 kcal per cookie
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional decorations:
- Assorted sprinkles
- Gel food coloring
- Melted white chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Place the softened butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer or use a hand mixer. Beat for approximately 2 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat until just combined.
- Add gel food coloring if desired and mix until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the dough to a cookie press fitted with a decorative disk.
- Press the cookies onto a clean, dry, ungreased baking sheet. The cookies do not spread significantly, so little space is needed between them.
- Add sprinkles before baking if desired.
- Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool, then decorate with melted chocolate or other desired decorations.
Recipe Notes
- Use softened butter for the best mixing consistency.
- The baking sheet must be clean, dry, ungreased, and at room temperature.
- Do not use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat when following the original cookie-press method.
- If the dough is too soft, cover and refrigerate it for 30 to 45 minutes.
- For lemon spritz cookies, replace the almond extract with lemon extract and add the zest of one lemon.
- For rum-flavored cookies, replace the almond extract with rum extract.
- For chocolate spritz cookies, use 3 cups of flour and 1/2 cup of cocoa powder instead of 3 1/2 cups of flour.
- Before-baking sprinkles can be helped to adhere with a light brushing of water.
- After-baking sprinkles can be attached with a thin layer of corn syrup.
- Baked cookies can be frozen for up to three months, with wax paper between layers.
Nutrition Information
The following estimates are provided with the original recipe for one cookie.
| Nutrient | Amount per cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 81 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Total fat | 5 g |
| Saturated fat | 3 g |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 0.2 g |
| Monounsaturated fat | 1 g |
| Trans fat | 0.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg |
| Sodium | 28 mg |
| Potassium | 10 mg |
| Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Vitamin A | 146 IU |
| Calcium | 7 mg |
| Iron | 0.4 mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and decorations used. The figures above apply to the basic cookie recipe, not necessarily to the chocolate-dipped or glazed variations.
Final Thoughts
Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies are a timeless addition to any collection of homemade cookie recipes. Their buttery flavor, delicate texture, and decorative shapes make them especially appealing during Christmas, but they are enjoyable throughout the year.
The basic dough is made with familiar ingredients, and a cookie press makes it easy to create consistent shapes without rolling or cutting the dough. Once baked, the cookies can be served plain, decorated with sprinkles, or finished with melted white chocolate.
You can also experiment with lemon, rum, chocolate, or colorful dough to create a variety of flavors from the same basic recipe. Whether you are preparing cookies for a holiday exchange, making edible gifts, or serving a simple treat with coffee, these spritz cookies are an attractive and delicious choice.
For the best results, remember the most important details: use softened butter, mix the flour just until combined, press the dough onto a clean and ungreased room-temperature baking sheet, and watch the cookies carefully as they bake.
Prepare a batch, decorate them to match the occasion, and enjoy these classic buttery cookies with family and friends.