Classic Spritz Butter Cookies

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There’s something downright magical about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. It’s a scent that pulls you in like a hug from Grandma. And if there’s one cookie that embodies the holiday spirit, it’s the beloved classic spritz butter cookies. 

These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth gems are as fun to make as they are to eat. Armed with a traditional cookie press and a little patience, you’ll be creating intricate shapes and different designs that will have your cookie platter looking like it belongs on the cover of a holiday magazine.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Buttery Flavor Perfection: These cookies have that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. Thanks to a generous amount of unsalted butter, every bite is rich, soft, and delightful.
• Classic Shapes for Any Holiday: Use a cookie press to create Christmas trees, hearts for Valentine’s Day, or any festive cookies you desire.
• Simple Ingredients, Stunning Results: With pantry staples like flour, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Perfect for Cookie Platters: Arrange them alongside sugar cookies, shortbread cookies, or even a bowl of a stand mixer’s leftover frosting for dipping!
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love using the cookie press, and you’ll love the memories made along the way.

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The Story and Culture Behind Spritz Cookies

The name spritz comes from the German word spritzen, meaning “to squirt,” which perfectly describes how the dough is squeezed through a cookie press to create those beautiful intricate shapes. 

These cookies have deep roots in German and Scandinavian holiday traditions, but they’ve since become a global Christmas staple. From their presence on cookie trays at family gatherings to their starring role on dessert tables at holiday parties, spritz butter cookies are here to stay.

They’re especially popular around Christmas, but thanks to different shapes and different designs, you’ll see them pop up for Valentine’s Day, Easter, and any other excuse for a festive spread. It’s no wonder they remain a cherished part of holiday cookie recipes.

Equipment List

To achieve perfect buttery spritz cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Traditional Cookie Press: For pressing out those various shapes and different designs.
• Baking Sheet or Ungreased Baking Sheet: Essential for proper cookie formation and easy removal.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need both a large bowl and a medium bowl to separate wet and dry ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: Handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment to cream butter and sugar.
• Wire Rack or Cooling Rack: To cool the cookies once they’re baked.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that you don’t end up with too much dough or too little flour.

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Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

• Unsalted Butter: The star of the show, giving these cookies their signature buttery flavor. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier creaming.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Egg Yolks: Adds richness and softness to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the classic flavor.
• Almond Extract: This is where the magic happens, adding a subtle, nutty aroma.
• Flour & Salt: Provides structure and balance.

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How to Make Classic Spritz Butter Cookies

• Prepare Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and ensure the butter is at room temperature.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour and salt in a medium bowl.
• Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. At this point if you want to dye the dough, add the food coloring now so that it's evenly creamed with the butter and sugar.
• Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in egg yolks, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
• Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly add the flour mixture, mixing until a soft spritz cookie dough forms.
• Shape the Cookies: Load the dough into a cookie press. Press dough into desired shapes onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Decorate with sprinkles or holiday sprinkles if desired.

• Bake: Bake cookies for 3 to 6 minutes, or just until set and not brown, then let them cool on a cooling rack.
• Serve and Enjoy: Share them on a cookie platter or pair them with a cup of coffee for a cozy snack.

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Chef Secrets & Tips

• Room Temperature Butter: Make sure butter is perfectly soft, but not too melted, for the best creaming results.
• Piping Bag Hack: Don’t have a cookie press? Use a piping bag with a large open star tip to achieve similar intricate shapes.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies shouldn’t brown. Remove them when they’re just set to keep that tender, buttery texture.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft, refrigerate it for 15 minutes for easier pressing.
• Too Much Dough?: Store extra unbaked cookies in the freezer and bake them later.

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Commonly Asked Questions

1. Can I use a piping bag instead of a cookie press?
Yes, a piping bag with a large open star tip can give you similar different shapes.

2. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze. When ready, thaw, load into the cookie press, and bake.

3. Can I use parchment paper on the baking sheet?
No, an ungreased baking sheet works best to ensure the dough grips the surface and keeps its shape.

4. How long do they stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

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Storage Tips

• Storage: Keep them in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezing Dough: Wrap unused dough in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.

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These Classic Spritz Butter Cookies are fun to make, even more fun to eat, and perfect for holiday season cookie platters. Whether you’re pressing them into Christmas trees or whimsical hearts, each cookie is a tiny, buttery work of art. So, dust off that cookie press, and let the cookie magic begin.

More Holiday Recipes

Cranberry Pumpkin Bread: A moist, spiced pumpkin bread bursting with tart cranberries in every bite. Perfect for cozy fall mornings or holiday brunch spreads.

Candied Cranberries: Sweet, tangy cranberries coated in a powdery white sugar crust. A festive garnish for desserts, cocktails, or holiday snack boards.

Ginger Molasses Cookies: Soft, chewy cookies with the warm, bold flavors of ginger, molasses, and cinnamon. Perfect for holiday cookie platters or a cozy treat with coffee.

Candied Pecans: Crunchy, sweet, and spiced pecans coated in a caramelized shell. They make the perfect holiday snack, salad topper, or edible gift.

Czech Apple Strudel: A flaky, golden pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and a hint of cinnamon. This classic European dessert is perfect for holidays or afternoon tea.