If you’ve ever wanted to create delicate, buttery treats that melt in your mouth and are as delightful to look at as they are to eat, this Classic Spritz Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These charming, crisp cookies are the perfect blend of simple ingredients brought together in a way that produces an irresistible texture and subtle sweetness. Whether it’s a festive occasion or just a craving for homemade goodness, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture in your spritz cookies. Each component plays a crucial role, from richness to structure to the final golden color.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature: Provides that rich, creamy base critical for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- 2/3 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough to enhance the butter’s flavor without overpowering it.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 large egg plus 1 yolk, at room temperature: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients while contributing to a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, inviting aroma and depth to every bite.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure builder, ensuring your cookies hold their pretty spritz shapes without spreading too much.
How to Make Classic Spritz Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and develop that beautiful golden edge we all love. Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper will prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Salt
Using a standing mixer or electric hand mixer, whip together the butter, sugar, and kosher salt until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 minutes. This step is essential because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender texture and helping them rise lightly.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix just until everything is fully combined. This addition boosts moisture and flavor complexity, making the cookies soft rather than dry.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix on low speed until the dough forms and starts pulling away from the bowl. The dough should be soft yet firm enough to hold its shape when pressed.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Load your cookie dough into a cookie spritz or press fitted with your favorite shapes. Press the cookies onto parchment-lined sheets, leaving a little space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the edges just start to turn a lovely golden brown. This guarantees a perfect snap without dryness.
How to Serve Classic Spritz Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are lovely on their own, sprinkling a little colored sugar or sanding sugar just before baking adds a festive sparkle, instantly making your cookies party-ready. For a more decadent touch, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate once cooled and allow it to set.
Side Dishes
Classic Spritz Cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea or coffee. Their sweet yet buttery nature complements beverages perfectly, making snack time feel special and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these pretty cookies on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant look at gatherings, or package them in colorful tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbons for charming homemade gifts. Their intricate shapes work beautifully for themed parties or seasonal celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your spritz cookies fresh in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crisp and delicious for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy them a little bit at a time without them losing their charm.
Freezing
If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when ready to serve — they’ll taste just as delightful as on day one.
Reheating
To refresh the crispness, place cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This quick step revives their delicate texture, making them feel freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Using salted butter is possible, but be sure to reduce or omit the added kosher salt in the recipe to avoid making your cookies too salty.
What if I don’t have a cookie spritzer?
You can shape these cookies using a piping bag fitted with a star tip or even roll the dough into balls and gently flatten them, though they won’t have the traditional spritz shapes.
Can I add flavors or colors to this Classic Spritz Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Add a few drops of almond or lemon extract, or mix in food coloring to the dough before pressing to customize your cookies for any occasion.
How long do these cookies keep their freshness?
If stored properly in an airtight container, spritz cookies can maintain their taste and texture for about a week at room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to help with?
Definitely! Kids love using the cookie spritzer to create fun shapes, and the simple steps make it a great baking project for all ages.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about mastering the Classic Spritz Cookies Recipe — a simple yet elegant treat that brings joy and nostalgia with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies will fill your kitchen with warmth and your heart with delight. So grab your mixer, get your cookie spritzer ready, and let’s make a batch that everyone will remember!
Print
Classic Spritz Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Spritz Cookies are delightful buttery treats that are quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion. These crisp, tender cookies are made by pressing flavored dough through a cookie press to create beautifully shaped designs. With a perfect balance of sweetness and rich vanilla flavor, they’re a timeless holiday favorite or an everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (2 sticks)
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large egg plus 1 yolk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking your spritz cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a standing mixer bowl or with an electric mixer, beat the unsalted butter, sugar, and kosher salt together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step adds air for a lighter cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This gives the dough richness and flavor.
- Add Flour and Form Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients while mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the Cookies: Transfer the dough into a cookie spritzer or cookie press fitted with your chosen shaped disc. Press cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow slight spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better dough consistency.
- You can customize your spritz cookies with different cookie press discs for fun shapes.
- For added color and flavor, consider dividing the dough and mixing in food coloring or finely chopped nuts before pressing.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain crispness.
