Classic Butter Spritz Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever craved those melt-in-your-mouth buttery treats pressed into fun shapes and dusted with colored sugar, you’re in for a real delight. This Classic Butter Spritz Cookies Recipe is my go-to whenever I want a simple yet utterly scrumptious batch of cookies that feel nostalgic but taste like they’ve got that little something extra. I absolutely love how these cookies hold their shape beautifully and have just the right balance of tender crumb with a hint of almond goodness. If you’re ready to whip up the ultimate buttery spritz cookies that get everyone asking for “just one more,” let me walk you through everything you need to make them shine in your kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients blend together beautifully to create that iconic spritz cookie texture and buttery flavor. I always reach for good-quality butter because it makes a noticeable difference in taste and helps the cookies pipe out smoothly from the press.

• All-purpose flour: This gives structure to your cookies, so don’t try to swap it with something too different unless you want to experiment with texture.
• Baking powder: Just a small amount to give a slight lift — helps keep the cookies light, not dense.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor.
• Butter: I always use unsalted butter to control the saltiness better; room temperature makes beating easier.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that crisp edge on baked cookies.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and gives the dough a nice richness.
• Almond extract (or vanilla extract): My personal favorite is almond—it adds just the right nutty aroma that makes these spritz cookies unique.
• Colored sugar or candies: For decorating and that festive sparkle — have fun with this part!

Variations

One of the things I love about my Classic Butter Spritz Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you want a subtle twist or special flair, these tweaks help personalize the cookies for any season or palate.

• Flavor swaps: Occasionally, I swap the almond extract for vanilla or lemon extract for a bright citrus note. It’s a simple change but changes the cookie’s vibe completely!
• Dietary options: For a dairy-free version, I once used vegan butter with decent results, though you might lose a bit of that classic buttery richness.
• Decorating ideas: Instead of colored sugar, I love adding small candy sprinkles or even sanding sugar in gold for Christmas elegance.
• Chocolate dipped: I tried dipping half the cookie in melted chocolate one year and my family went crazy for the combo.

How to Make Classic Butter Spritz Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and optionally lining your baking sheets with parchment paper—it helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking. Then, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. I like to sift them to avoid any lumps, but a good vigorous whisk works just fine too. This dry mix will be set aside while you cream the butter and sugar, making the whole process seamless.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial because properly creamed butter traps air that leads to those tender spritz cookies we all love.

Step 3: Add Egg & Extract

Beat in the egg and almond extract until fully combined. The dough will start smelling amazing at this point—you’ll know you’re on the right track.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Gently

Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add in the flour mixture. Mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so I usually stop as soon as the flour disappears into the dough.

Step 5: Press and Decorate

Fill your cookie press according to the manufacturer’s directions (mine came with a handy plastic scraper to evenly fill the barrel). Press the dough directly onto ungreased baking sheets. If the designs come out a little messy on first try, just scrape and press again. If the dough feels sticky or too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes—that trick saved me more times than I can count!

Step 6: Add Sprinkles and Bake

Sprinkle colored sugar, nonpareils, or your chosen candies over the cookies before baking. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. I’ve learned to keep a close watch near the end so they don’t overbake and lose that soft crumb.

Step 7: Cooling

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes—this helps them firm up so they don’t break when transferring—and then move them to wire racks to cool completely. This step is key for maintaining that delicate texture you want in a spritz cookie.

How to Serve Classic Butter Spritz Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding bright colored sugar before baking because it adds sparkle without extra fuss. Sometimes, I like to top them with mini candy pearls or edible glitter for a fancier look, especially around holidays. You’ll find the cookies feel festive and inviting just by these simple touches.

Side Dishes

These spritz cookies pair perfectly with a warm mug of coffee, tea, or even hot cocoa—ideal for cozy afternoons. If you’re serving at a party, try them with a cheese platter or fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a holiday gathering, I arranged these cookies on tiered cake stands with small bowls of dipping chocolate nearby. Guests loved mixing and matching shapes and decorations, turning the cookie table into an interactive experience. Gift boxes lined with tissue paper filled with assorted spritz cookies also make fantastic homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. I add a small piece of bread in the container—it’s an old trick to keep cookies from drying out, and it really works.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead for holidays, the dough freezes beautifully. I portion the dough into the cookie press barrel, wrap it tightly in plastic, and freeze. When ready, just let it thaw slightly so it can be pressed again. You can also freeze baked cookies layered between parchment paper.

Reheating

To freshen up stored or frozen cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes. This helps restore a bit of that fresh-from-the-oven aroma and texture without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Classic Butter Spritz Cookies Recipe stands out because it’s reliably delicious and brings back warm memories every time I make it. The buttery dough, the delicate shapes, and the just-right sweetness combine to make cookies that feel both festive and homey. Whether it’s a holiday tradition or a simple treat for a weekend afternoon, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try — you’ll love sharing these buttery, beautiful cookies with friends and family as much as I do.

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