Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies

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Few things say “holiday season” like a tray of Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies. These timeless treats are a favorite in many homes, and for good reason: they’re buttery, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Shaped into festive designs and often sprinkled with colored sugar or festive toppings, spritz cookies bring joy both in flavor and presentation.

Whether you’re filling up a cookie tin, setting up for a cookie swap, or just craving a simple homemade dessert, these cookies are a must. With a few pantry staples and a cookie press, you’ll be baking up batches of nostalgia in no time. Plus, they’re perfect for decorating with kids or customizing to your holiday theme.

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Why You’ll Love These Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies

These cookies strike the perfect balance between simple and special. The dough is easy to mix, doesn’t need to chill, and holds intricate shapes beautifully. Their delicate, buttery flavor makes them a crowd-pleaser, while their festive shapes and colors light up any holiday dessert table.

Spritz cookies are also highly customizable—you can add almond or vanilla extract, use colored sugar or edible glitter, and press them into dozens of fun shapes. Plus, they stay fresh for days, making them excellent make-ahead treats.

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What Kind of Cookie Press Should I Use?

Any reliable cookie press will work for this recipe, whether manual or electric. Look for one with strong metal discs and a comfortable grip. The dough is soft but structured enough to press cleanly into shapes, so avoid overly flimsy models. Popular brands like OXO, Wilton, and Kuhn Rikon offer quality presses. If you don’t have a cookie press, you can also roll and shape the dough by hand, though you’ll miss the classic spritz look.

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Ingredients for the Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies

Each ingredient plays a key role in the irresistible texture and flavor of these classic cookies:

• Unsalted Butter – Provides that rich, creamy base flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and gives them a light texture.
• Egg – Adds structure and moisture, helping bind the dough together.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic notes. You can substitute or add almond extract for variation.
• All-Purpose Flour – The structural foundation of the cookies, giving them a tender but sturdy form for pressing.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and boosts the buttery flavor.

Optional toppings like colored sugar, sprinkles, or edible glitter can be added for that festive touch.

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How To Make the Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes using a stand mixer or hand mixer.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly blended.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix just until the dough comes together—avoid overmixing, as it can make the cookies tough.

Step 4: Load the Cookie Press

Fill your cookie press with the dough. Press cookies onto ungreased, cool baking sheets. If you’d like to decorate them with sprinkles or colored sugar, now is the time.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 7-9 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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Serving and Storing Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies

This recipe yields about 5 dozen cookies, making it ideal for parties, holiday gift boxes, or cozy family gatherings. Serve them at room temperature with coffee, tea, or warm cider. Their delicate texture and bite-sized shape make them a perfect sweet nibble any time of day.

To store, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to enjoy them later, they freeze well too—just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

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What to Serve With Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies?

Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream

Rich, creamy hot chocolate makes a dreamy pairing with buttery spritz cookies.

Spiced Apple Cider

The warm spice notes in apple cider complement the vanilla and buttery flavor of the cookies.

Holiday Punch

A fruity, fizzy holiday punch adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.

Coffee or Espresso

Balance the sweetness with a bold cup of coffee or espresso—perfect for an afternoon treat.

Peppermint Tea

Minty tea brings a fresh twist that enhances the buttery cookie flavors.

Eggnog

A classic holiday pairing, eggnog’s creamy richness makes a cozy combo with spritz cookies.

Fresh Berries

A small bowl of tart raspberries or strawberries provides a refreshing balance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator and allow it to soften slightly before pressing into shapes.

2. My cookies aren’t sticking to the pan—what should I do?
Spritz cookies need to be pressed onto ungreased, cool baking sheets. If the pan is warm or greased, the dough won’t grip properly. Try chilling your pan if this happens.

3. Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies?
Absolutely. Roll the dough into logs, wrap in plastic, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using in your cookie press.

4. What if I don’t have a cookie press?
You can use a piping bag with a large tip, or simply roll the dough into small balls and flatten with a fork. While it won’t have the traditional spritz look, it’ll still taste delicious!

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use almond extract or stick with vanilla? Did you try red and green sprinkles?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter!
Explore more of my daily recipe ideas on Pinterest from Meals We Share By Sally.

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Conclusion

Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies are a beloved tradition, and for good reason. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, festive shapes, and versatile flavor, they’re a staple on any holiday cookie tray. Whether you’re baking for a party, giving gifts, or just indulging in a cozy moment, these cookies never disappoint. Keep a batch ready during the holidays—you never know when guests (or a sweet craving) might pop by!

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