Name: Delicious Buttery Spritz Cookies for Irresistible Holiday Cheer
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Use at room temperature for a creamy consistency); ¾ cup Granulated Sugar (Adds essential texture for a tender cookie); 1 large Egg (Binds the ingredients together); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Adds a warm flavor profile); 1 teaspoon Almond Extract (Enhances the buttery taste); 2 ¼ cups All-Purpose Flour (Forms the bulk of the cookie); ½ teaspoon Salt (Balances the sweetness); as needed Red/Green Gel Icing Color (Adds festive color); as needed Sprinkles (Enhances visual appeal)

As I baked a fresh batch of Buttery Spritz Cookies yesterday, the sweet scent of vanilla and almond wafted through my kitchen, evoking cherished holiday memories. These cookies, with their delightful blend of flavors and charming designs, make for a perfect festive treat or a meaningful gift. Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up, yielding around 70 cookies from a single batch, but they also invite endless creative twists, from gluten-free variations to vibrant color accents. Perfect for any gathering, these treats are a true crowd-pleaser! Are you ready to fill your home with the warmth of baking? Let’s dive into this heartwarming recipe together!

Why Are Buttery Spritz Cookies Irresistible?

Simplicity: This recipe is a breeze to make, requiring minimal ingredients and basic baking skills.

Crowd-Pleasing: Yielding around 70 cookies, they’re perfect for sharing at holiday parties or gifting.

Deliciously Versatile: Whether gluten-free or vegan, you can easily customize these treats to fit different diets.

Aromatic Warmth: The delightful scent of vanilla and almond fills your kitchen, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere for family and friends.

Creative Flair: Personalize them with colorful icing and sprinkles, making each batch uniquely festive! For more sweet inspiration, consider trying Honey Cookies Chewy or Brown Butter Cookies!

Delicious Buttery Spritz Cookie Ingredients

• Get ready to bake these delightful cookies!

For the Dough

Unsalted Butter – Use at room temperature for a creamy consistency and easy blending.
Granulated Sugar – This sweetener adds essential texture for a tender cookie.
Large Egg – It binds the ingredients together and enriches the dough.
Vanilla Extract – This adds a warm and inviting flavor profile to the cookies.
Almond Extract – Enhances the overall buttery taste with a delightful nutty fragrance.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the bulk of the cookie, giving it structure and texture.
Salt – A crucial ingredient to balance the sweetness and elevate the overall flavor.

Optional Decorative Touches

Red/Green Gel Icing Color – Adds a festive pop of color to your cookies for holiday cheer!
Sprinkles – Enhance the visual appeal and bring a cheerful touch to your cookie presentation.

These delicious buttery spritz cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a feast for the eyes!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Delicious Buttery Spritz Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven warms, line your baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick. This preparation is crucial for achieving perfectly baked Delicious Buttery Spritz Cookies that are golden brown and tender.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating the ideal texture in your cookies, ensuring they are soft and delightful.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Next, mix in 1 large egg along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Beat the ingredients together until fully incorporated, which takes about 1-2 minutes. The addition of these extracts enhances the flavor profile of your Delicious Buttery Spritz Cookies, giving them that nostalgic aroma and taste.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Salt
Gradually sift in 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of salt to the buttery mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, taking care not to overmix; this will help keep your cookies tender. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, ready for shaping into festive forms.

Step 5: Color the Dough (Optional)
If you’d like to add a splash of color, divide your dough into portions and incorporate red or green gel icing color into each section. Mix thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed. This fun step personalizes your Delicious Buttery Spritz Cookies for the holidays and makes them visually appealing.

Step 6: Load Cookie Press
Fill your cookie press with the prepared dough, securing it according to manufacturer instructions. On your lined baking sheets, press out shapes of your choice, spacing them about 1 inch apart. The key here is to make clean, uniform shapes that will ensure even baking of your Delicious Buttery Spritz Cookies.

Step 7: Decorate
If desired, sprinkle your cookies with festive toppings like colorful sprinkles or additional gel icing colors. This is your chance to get creative and make each cookie uniquely special while enhancing their holiday charm. The colorful additions make these cookies even more inviting and fun!

Step 8: Bake
Carefully place the baking sheets into your preheated oven. Bake for 5-8 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. You’ll know your Delicious Buttery Spritz Cookies are ready when the edges turn a light golden color, indicating that they are perfectly baked yet still soft in the center.

Step 9: Cool
Once baked, remove the trays from the oven and allow the cookies to set on the sheets for about 4-5 minutes. This helps them firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely, allowing their delightful aroma to fill your kitchen as they settle nicely into the perfect holiday treat.

Expert Tips for Delicious Buttery Spritz Cookies

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal mixing. Cold butter can lead to dense cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make your Delicious Buttery Spritz Cookies tough instead of tender.
Even Cookie Shapes: Use a cookie press or piping bag for uniform shapes. This ensures even baking and a beautiful appearance for your festive treats.
Watch Baking Time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies and aim for a light golden edge for the perfect texture.
Cool Properly: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking apart and maintains their delightful form.

Delicious Buttery Spritz Cookies Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists that allow your creativity to shine in the kitchen while baking these scrumptious cookies!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a perfect texture without the gluten. Celebrate baking without any dietary concerns!
Vegan: Use a flax seed egg and vegan butter to create your spritz cookies. Taste the same deliciousness while accommodating dairy-free diets!
Nuts: Mix in finely chopped almonds or walnuts for an added crunch. The combination of buttery softness and nutty bites creates a delightful contrast!
Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies to entice the chocolate lovers in your life. It’s a simple touch that elevates your treats to gourmet status!
Spiced Version: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm holiday twist. This subtle spice will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
Citrus Twist: Brighten your cookies with some lemon or orange zest. This little addition brings a refreshing zing to your classic recipe!
Different Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like peppermint for a seasonal variation or coconut for a tropical flair! You might be surprised at how much these flavors can transform your cookies.
Decorative Toppings: Use festive sprinkles or edible glitter to enhance your cookie decoration. With a splash of color, your spritz cookies can become the star of your holiday gatherings!

For more sweet inspiration, check out these yummy Brownie Cookie Cookies or try adding a twist to your breakfast with these delicious Cottage Cheese Pancakes!

Make Ahead Options

These Delicious Buttery Spritz Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time in the kitchen! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all your ingredients, then shape the cookies and refrigerate the unbaked dough. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and helps maintain texture. When you’re ready to bake, simply load the cookie press and bake as directed. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months; just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before shaping and baking. They’ll be just as delicious and festive for your holiday gatherings, making your preparations a breeze!

What to Serve with Buttery Spritz Cookies

Indulging in freshly baked cookies is a delightful experience, especially paired with complementary treats that elevate your snack time!

Hot Chocolate: A rich and creamy cup of hot chocolate enhances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a cozy touch.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm buttery flavors of the cookies, offering a delightful balance.
Fruit Platter: A vibrant assortment of fresh fruits brings a refreshing contrast, adding a burst of color and natural sweetness to the holiday table.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or soothing herbal tea provides a comforting element, perfect for enjoying cookies in casual gatherings.
Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate your Buttery Spritz Cookies with a drizzle of melted chocolate, enriching the cookie’s flavor and visual appeal—an elegant touch for celebrations.
Nutty Biscotti: Serve with crunchy nutty biscotti for a dual-texture experience. The crispy dunk of biscotti pairs nicely alongside these melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Cheese Platter: For a unique twist, pair with a cheese platter featuring soft cheeses; the creaminess of the cheese enhances the cookies’ buttery taste.
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream can be a delightful topping for a cookie-inspired dessert, perfect for special occasions.
Sparkling Cider: A glass of sparkling cider adds a festive and bubbly touch to the holiday spread, enchanting your taste buds alongside the sweet treats.
Holiday Punch: A fruity holiday punch serves as a refreshing beverage to accompany your spread of buttery flavors and festive vibes, making it a hit at any gathering.

How to Store and Freeze Delicious Buttery Spritz Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and delightful, perfect for grabbing a sweet treat throughout the week.
Fridge: If you want to extend their life, keep your cookies in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. They’ll be just as delicious but with a slightly firmer texture.
Freezer: These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly for that freshly baked taste.
Reheating: For a warm treat, reheat chilled or frozen cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will revive their delicious, buttery goodness, making them irresistible once again!

Buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best butter for my cookies?
Absolutely! For Buttery Spritz Cookies, always opt for unsalted butter. Make sure it’s at room temperature prior to mixing—this allows for better incorporation with the sugar, leading to a lighter consistency. I often choose a brand with a rich, creamy flavor since it significantly impacts the overall taste of the cookie.

What’s the best way to store these cookies after making them?
Great question! To store your Delicious Buttery Spritz Cookies at room temperature, place them in an airtight container where they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. For an even longer shelf life, they can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storage to maintain their delightful texture.

Can I freeze my Spritz Cookies, and if so, how?
Absolutely! Freezing is a fantastic option to keep your cookies fresh longer. First, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid—this usually takes about an hour. Once they’re firm, transfer them to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked feel.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough turns out too sticky, don’t worry! Sometimes, this can happen due to variations in flour absorption. I recommend gradually adding more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together without sticking excessively to your hands. Just be cautious not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Very much so! To prepare gluten-free Buttery Spritz Cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Flour work beautifully. Additionally, keep an eye on the dough consistency, as gluten-free flours may absorb moisture differently. If your dough seems too dry, add a splash of milk or a bit of water to achieve the desired texture.