Popular during the holiday season, spritz
cookies are the adorable, festive Christmas cookies we can’t get enough of. They’re light and buttery, completely customizable, and so easy to make: all you need is a cookie press, some food coloring, and pantry staples to make these simple holiday staples. Want to make these outside of the holiday season? No problem—these cookies are just as perfect year-round as they are the cutest food gift. Keep reading on for everything you need to know:
What are spritz cookies?
These buttery cookies are named after the German word “spritzen,” which means “to squirt,” because of the cookie press used to form their signature shapes. Spritz cookies are very similar to butter cookies in texture and taste—the signature aspect that sets these cookies apart are their shape and design, thanks to a cookie press.
The cookie press:
To give these cookies their signature shape, we use a cookie press. A good cookie press is vital for the best homemade spritz cookies. Use your favorite one, or consult our list of the best cookie presses (Tip: These are a perfect holiday gift 😉).
How to make the best spritz cookies:
These cookies are relatively easy to make: if you’ve made butter cookies, then these will be a piece of cake. Use almond extract or vanilla extract to flavor your cookies, or split up the dough and alternate! The biggest decision you’ll have to make is how to decorate. From snowflakes to Christmas trees, spritz cookies can come in many festive forms. We use food coloring to add another level of holiday cheer, but you can also decorate them with colorful sugar and sprinkles if you’d like.
Make ahead and storage:
This dough comes together super fast and can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month before you bake them (just make sure the dough comes to room temperature before you load it into the cookie press). The finished cookies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 weeks.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
Popular during the holiday season, spritz
cookies are the adorable, festive Christmas cookies we can’t get enough of. They’re light and buttery, completely customizable, and so easy to make: all you need is a cookie press, some food coloring, and pantry staples to make these simple holiday staples. Want to make these outside of the holiday season? No problem—these cookies are just as perfect year-round as they are the cutest food gift. Keep reading on for everything you need to know:
What are spritz cookies?
These buttery cookies are named after the German word “spritzen,” which means “to squirt,” because of the cookie press used to form their signature shapes. Spritz cookies are very similar to butter cookies in texture and taste—the signature aspect that sets these cookies apart are their shape and design, thanks to a cookie press.
The cookie press:
To give these cookies their signature shape, we use a cookie press. A good cookie press is vital for the best homemade spritz cookies. Use your favorite one, or consult our list of the best cookie presses (Tip: These are a perfect holiday gift 😉).
How to make the best spritz cookies:
These cookies are relatively easy to make: if you’ve made butter cookies, then these will be a piece of cake. Use almond extract or vanilla extract to flavor your cookies, or split up the dough and alternate! The biggest decision you’ll have to make is how to decorate. From snowflakes to Christmas trees, spritz cookies can come in many festive forms. We use food coloring to add another level of holiday cheer, but you can also decorate them with colorful sugar and sprinkles if you’d like.
Make ahead and storage:
This dough comes together super fast and can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month before you bake them (just make sure the dough comes to room temperature before you load it into the cookie press). The finished cookies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 weeks.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
- Yields:
-
3
dz.
- Prep Time:
- 45 mins
- Total Time:
- 1 hr
- Cal/Serv:
- 91
Directions
-
- Step 1
Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 350°. In a medium bowl, whisk flour and salt.
- Step 2In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until smooth, airy, and slightly paler in color, about 4 minutes. Add egg and almond extract and continue to beat until thoroughly combined, about 2 minutes more.
- Step 3Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture and beat until just combined. Divide two-thirds of dough between 2 medium bowls, keeping remaining one-third in stand mixer bowl. To 2 bowls, add food coloring in the shades of your choice, then mix until evenly distributed and vibrant. Leave the remaining one-third plain.
- Step 4Working in batches, load dough into a spritz cookie press according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Press dough onto 2 ungreased baking sheets, spacing 1″ apart.
- Step 5Bake cookies, rotating pans halfway through, until firm to the touch and lightly golden on the edges, 13 to 15 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks and let cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Step 6Make Ahead: Cookies can be made 2 weeks ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Step 1
Related Video: Gingerbread Cookies
