Name: Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (slightly softened); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (no substitutes suggested); 1 large Egg (essential for moisture); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (feel free to add more); ½ teaspoon Almond Extract (optional); 2 ¼ cups All-Purpose Flour (for best results); ¼ teaspoon Salt (accuracy is key); Food Coloring (optional, use as desired); Decorative Sprinkles (pick vibrant colors)

Every holiday season, the warm aroma of baking fills the air, and our kitchens transform into festive wonderlands. Among the many treats that grace our tables, Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies stand out as a beloved favorite. These delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are not only easy to make but also a fantastic way to get the whole family involved in holiday baking. With their buttery goodness and charming shapes, they become a wonderful canvas for your creativity—perfect for decorating with vibrant sprinkles or icing. Whether you’re preparing for a cookie exchange or simply cozying up with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Are you ready to bring a little extra joy into your kitchen with these classic festive treats?

Why are these cookies a must-try?

Meltingly Buttery Texture: These cookies offer a delightfully soft and tender bite, making them irresistible to anyone who tries them.

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies without any baking headaches!

Festive Fun: Their beautiful shapes and colorful sprinkles turn every batch into a festive celebration, ideal for any holiday gathering.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These cookies are perfect for sharing during cookie exchanges or gifting. Everyone loves a home-baked cookie!

Endless Customization: Experiment with different flavors like citrus zest or swap in colorful food dyes for unique holiday themes. The possibilities are endless!

Make your next baking adventure special by checking out our delicious Dark Chocolate Cookies to expand your cookie collection!

Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies Ingredients

For the Dough

Unsalted Butter – provides richness and moisture; make sure it’s slightly softened for easy mixing.
Granulated Sugar – adds sweetness and contributes to cookie structure; no substitutes are suggested.
Large Egg – binds the ingredients and ensures moisture; it’s essential for maintaining the recipe’s integrity.
Vanilla Extract – enhances the flavor profile; feel free to add a bit more for depth.
Almond Extract (optional) – infuses a sweet, nutty flavor; can be exchanged with extra vanilla if desired.
All-Purpose Flour – forms the dough’s structure; stick with this for best results.
Salt – balances sweetness and enhances flavors; accuracy is key for optimal taste.

For Decoration

Food Coloring (optional) – makes your cookies festive; use as desired to align with holiday colors.
Decorative Sprinkles – adds visual appeal and crunch; pick vibrant colors to match the occasion.

These Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies not only bring festive cheer to your holiday table but also offer a delightful homemade touch that everyone will love!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of slightly softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies, so ensure the mixture is airy and well-combined.

Step 2: Add Ingredients
Next, incorporate 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of optional almond extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are fully integrated and the mixture is smooth, creating a rich base for your cookies that will enhance their melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the mixture. Beat on low speed until a soft dough forms, taking care not to overmix. For a festive touch, feel free to mix in a few drops of food coloring at this stage, giving your Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies a fun and vibrant color.

Step 4: Form Cookies
Fill your cookie press with the prepared dough and select your desired shape for the cookies. Press the dough onto ungreased, cool baking sheets, ensuring to leave about an inch of space between each cookie for even baking. You’ll create beautifully shaped cookies that are perfect for decoration.

Step 5: Decorate
Before baking, instantly add an assortment of decorative sprinkles or colored sugar on top of each unbaked cookie. This adds visual appeal and a touch of festive flair to your Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies, making them even more inviting for holiday gatherings.

Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the cookies for about 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye out for the edges to be set and the bottoms to turn lightly golden. This brief baking time ensures that your Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies remain tender and melt in your mouth once cooled.

Step 7: Cool
After baking, allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 2 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process gives your Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies the perfect texture, ensuring they maintain their charm and delightful flavor.

How to Store and Freeze Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This helps maintain their buttery texture and freshness.
Fridge: If you want them to last longer, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: You can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container or sealed bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
Reheating: To enjoy your Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies after freezing, simply thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours, or warm briefly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Expert Tips for Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies

Butter Softness: Ensure your unsalted butter is slightly softened—this helps achieve the airy texture crucial for Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies.
Mixing Times: Beat the butter and sugar mixture until it’s light and fluffy; this step enhances the final cookie’s melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Cookie Press Technique: Use a cool, ungreased baking sheet when pressing the dough; greased sheets can alter the shape and texture of your cookies.
Uniform Size: Aim for uniform cookie shapes when pressing; this promotes even baking, ensuring every bite delivers that buttery goodness.
Cooling Carefully: Allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack; this step helps maintain their delightful texture without breaking.

Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize these delightful cookies to suit your taste buds! Here are some fun ideas to inspire your baking adventure.

Flavor Twist: Substitute almond extract with orange zest for a refreshing twist and a festive aroma. The bright citrus notes can elevate the cookie’s flavors beautifully!
Color Burst: Experiment with various food colors to create themed cookies for different occasions. Imagine vibrant red and green for Christmas or soft pastels for Easter celebrations. Decorating offers not only fun but also endless possibilities.
Citrusy Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or lime zest into the dough to enhance the rich butter flavor with a zesty kick. The aromatic citrus will create a delightful contrast that will keep everyone coming back for more!
Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup of finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the dough. This crunchy texture adds depth to the classic softness of the cookie and provides a lovely surprise.
Chocolatey Delight: Mix in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness that contrasts with the buttery cookie. This variation caters to any chocoholic in the family!
Spicy Surprise: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, warm flavor, perfect for the chilly holiday season. These spices will elevate your Cookies into a comforting holiday treat that warms the heart.
Vegan Version: Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a vegan butter substitute. These vegan cookies will accommodate dietary restrictions without skimping on flavor!

Make your holiday baking even more delightful by exploring additional recipes like these scrumptious Dark Chocolate Cookies that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser too. Embrace the joy of baking while creating cherished memories with every batch of cookie dough!

What to Serve with Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies

Imagine a cozy gathering filled with laughter, holiday cheer, and the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies that make hearts and tummies happy.

Hot Cocoa: A rich, chocolaty drink that perfectly balances the buttery sweetness of the cookies. It’s a holiday classic that comforts every sip!
Peppermint Tea: A refreshing and aromatic tea that complements the cookies’ sweet notes, providing a warm, soothing experience perfect for chilly evenings.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream enhances the crisp-tender goodness of the cookies, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, colorful fruits add a refreshing lightness that cuts through the richness of the cookies, making for a balanced dessert table.
Coffee: Pair your cookies with a freshly brewed cup of coffee to elevate the flavors; the bitterness of the coffee plays beautifully with the sweet butteriness.
Eggnog: For an extra festive twist, serve these cookies with a glass of creamy eggnog—rich, spiced, and heavenly when enjoyed together.
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The crunch and salty flavor of pretzels dipped in chocolate offers a fun texture contrast that enhances the overall treat experience.
Decorated Gingerbread: Complement the sweetness of spritz cookies with the spicy warmth of gingerbread, adding seasonal variety to your holiday spread.
Sparkling Cider: For a bubbly touch, pair them with sparkling cider; it’s festive and fun, elevating any gathering with vibrant flavors.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over the cookies for an indulgent touch that adds sweetness and richness, making them even more irresistible.

Make Ahead Options

These Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing everything and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to bake, simply bring the dough to room temperature, fill your cookie press, and shape the cookies on ungreased baking sheets. Before baking, remember to add your festive sprinkles! This method ensures that your cookies stay just as delicious and melt-in-your-mouth tender, making your holiday baking a breeze on busy days.

Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my butter is the right consistency?
Absolutely! For Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies, your unsalted butter should be slightly softened to the touch. It should be cool but malleable, allowing you to easily beat it with the sugar. If it’s too hard, let it sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour.

What’s the best way to store my spritz cookies?
Very! Keep your Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their delightful texture. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Just let them come back to room temperature before you enjoy.

Can I freeze Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies?
Certainly! You can freeze these cookies for up to three months. To do this, place them in a freezer-safe container or a sealed zip-top bag, making sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

What should I do if my dough is too soft to press?
No worries! If your dough is too soft, simply chill it in the refrigerator for around 10-15 minutes. This will firm up the dough, making it easier to work with your cookie press. Don’t hesitate to take this extra step—it’s key to achieving those perfect shapes!

Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes! If you want to make Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies suitable for those with nut allergies, simply omit the optional almond extract. You can substitute it with extra vanilla extract for a similar flavor profile. Always be cautious and check all ingredients for any potential allergens before serving.

Can I use different flavors in my spritz cookies?
Absolutely! The joy of baking is in the creativity. You can experiment with flavors like lemon zest or orange zest instead of almond extract. Additionally, feel free to use food coloring to create festive designs that match your holiday themes—just be sure to use gel colors for the best results!