Introduction

There are cookies… and then there are cookies that feel like pure nostalgia. Buttery Vanilla Spritz Cookies belong to that second category—the kind of cookie that brings back childhood memories of holidays, family gatherings, and brightly colored cookie trays. These little buttery morsels are iconic for a reason. They’re light but rich, crisp yet tender, and melt beautifully on the tongue thanks to a perfect balance of butter, sugar, and vanilla.

Spritz cookies get their name from the German word spritzen, which means “to squirt” or “to press.” Traditionally, the dough is pushed through a cookie press to create beautiful shapes: trees, stars, rosettes, flowers, and shells. They’re a holiday staple across Europe and the United States, but the truth is—they deserve to be enjoyed all year long.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and a cookie press, you can create dozens of delicate little cookies that look professional and taste bakery-fresh. They’re perfect for Christmas cookie boxes, hostess gifts, dessert tables, tea parties, birthdays, and cozy evenings when you’re craving something sweet and classic.

Let’s dive into the ingredients and the step-by-step method so you can create your own batch of beautifully pressed, buttery vanilla spritz cookies.

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🍪 Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or 1 tsp vanilla + 1 tsp almond extract)
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Add-ins & Decorations:

• Holiday sprinkles
• Colored sanding sugar
• Melted chocolate for dipping
• Food coloring (for colorful dough)

🍰 Preparation

Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light, pale, and fluffy. This step is important because it adds air into the dough, giving the cookies their signature tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Add the egg and vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. This adds structure to the dough and deepens the flavor. If you prefer a more traditional European taste, use half vanilla and half almond extract.

Step 3: Mix in the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the dry mixture gradually to the butter mixture, mixing until everything is fully combined. The dough will be thick, slightly sticky, and perfect for pressing.

Step 4: Load the dough into the cookie press

Spoon the dough into your cookie press, packing it tightly to prevent air pockets. Attach your desired decorative disc—flowers, rosettes, trees, stars, hearts, or shells.

Step 5: Press cookies onto the sheet

Press the cookies directly onto an unlined, ungreased metal baking sheet. The dough must cling to the pan surface to release properly from the press. If using sprinkles, add them now so they stick during baking.

Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.

🎨 Variation Ideas

1. Almond Spritz Cookies

Replace 1 teaspoon vanilla with almond extract for a bakery-style flavor.

2. Chocolate Spritz Cookies

Add ¼ cup cocoa powder and reduce flour to 2 cups.

3. Citrus Spritz

Add 1 tablespoon orange zest or lemon zest to the dough for a bright twist.

4. Half-Dipped Chocolate Spritz

Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate and top with crushed nuts or sprinkles.

5. Colored Spritz Cookies

Add a drop or two of gel food coloring to make red, green, pink, or pastel shades—perfect for holidays or themed parties.

🍪 Cooking Note

• Do not chill the dough before pressing; cold dough won’t release well from the cookie press.
• Bake on unlined, ungreased metal sheets so the dough grips the surface.
• If dough won’t stick to the pan, refrigerate the sheet for 5 minutes before pressing.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Arrange on holiday cookie platters with chocolate chip and shortbread cookies.
• Wrap in clear bags with ribbons for gifting.
• Pair with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea.
• Use them as delicate decorations on top of cakes or ice cream.
• Serve at baby showers, bridal showers, and holiday parties for an elegant touch.

💡 Tips

• Only use unsalted butter for consistent flavor.
• Press the dough with steady pressure for even cookie shapes.
• Avoid overbaking—edges should be pale for soft cookies.
• For extra flavor, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to make them even more tender.
• Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
• These cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

⏱ Prep Time:

15 minutes

🔥 Cooking Time:

8–10 minutes per sheet

⏰ Total Time:

30–40 minutes

🍽 Nutritional Information (Approx per cookie):

Calories: 65
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 20mg

(Values vary depending on toppings and size.)

❓ FAQs

1. My spritz cookies aren’t sticking to the pan—why?

The pan is too greasy or nonstick. Use an ungreased, unlined metal pan for best results.

2. Can I chill the dough before pressing?

No—cold dough is too firm to press. Always use room-temperature dough.

3. Can I freeze spritz cookies?

Yes! Freeze baked cookies or freeze the dough and press fresh when ready.

4. Can I add food coloring?

Absolutely. Gel colors work best and won’t water down the dough.

5. Why are my cookies spreading?

Either the butter was too soft or the dough was overmixed. Add 1–2 tablespoons of flour if needed.

🍪 Conclusion

Buttery Vanilla Spritz Cookies are a timeless classic—elegant, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They’re easy to customize, bake quickly, and look stunning with minimal effort. Whether you’re making them for the holidays or simply craving a delicate sweet treat, these cookies will become a favorite in your home. Their simple charm and irresistible flavor make them truly unforgettable.