Classic Spritz Cookies Recipe – Buttery and Festive Treats

The holiday season would not feel complete without a tray of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth Spritz Cookies. Known for their delicate flavor, beautiful shapes, and festive decorations, these cookies are a Christmas tradition in many homes. With the help of a cookie press, you can turn simple dough into intricate designs that look bakery-quality but are surprisingly easy to make.

This Spritz Cookies Recipe is perfect for families, baking with kids, or anyone looking for a festive treat to serve during holiday gatherings. Whether you know them as Danish Spritz Cookies, German butter cookies, or simply Christmas spritz cookies, they remain one of the most loved holiday classics.

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Why Spritz Cookies Recipe Are a Must for Christmas and Holidays

Spritz cookies have been a part of European Christmas traditions for centuries, especially in Germany and Denmark. The name “Spritz” comes from the German word “spritzen,” meaning “to squirt,” which refers to pressing the dough through a cookie press.

These cookies are beloved because:

• They are easy to make in large batches, perfect for gifting or sharing.
• They keep their shape beautifully thanks to the cookie press.
• Their buttery texture pairs wonderfully with tea, coffee, or hot cocoa.
• They are versatile—you can decorate them with sprinkles, dip them in chocolate, or tint the dough with food coloring for festive flair.

If you’re searching for a spritz butter cookies recipe that works every time, this one will quickly become your go-to.

Ingredients for Spritz Cookies Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 4–5 dozen cookies:

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or almond extract for Danish spritz cookies)
• 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional decorations: holiday sprinkles, colored sugar, melted chocolate for dipping.

Kitchen Equipment and Cookie Press Guide

To make Christmas spritz cookies recipes successfully, you’ll need a few tools:

• Cookie press: This is essential for shaping spritz cookies into stars, trees, flowers, or wreaths.
• Mixing bowls and a hand mixer (or stand mixer).
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Baking sheets (ungreased, as the dough sticks best to clean surfaces).
• Cooling racks.

If you don’t own a cookie press, you can still make them by piping the dough through a large star tip, but a press makes it easier and more traditional.

Step-by-Step Preparation of Spritz Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Making the Spritz Cookie Dough

Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add to the butter mixture until a smooth dough forms.

Step 2: Using a Cookie Press for Spritz Cookies

Fill the cookie press with dough and select your favorite disk shape—stars, snowflakes, Christmas trees, or wreaths are popular choices. Press the cookies directly onto an ungreased baking sheet. The dough should stick easily.

Step 3: Baking the Cookies to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 7–9 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Avoid overbaking, as spritz cookies are meant to stay soft.

Step 4: Decorating Spritz Cookies

While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle them with colored sugar or nonpareils so they stick. Once cooled, you can dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and add festive sprinkles for an extra holiday touch.

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Tips for the Perfect Spritz Butter Cookies Recipe

• Use room-temperature butter for the best dough consistency.
• Do not refrigerate the dough before pressing—it should be soft enough to push through the cookie press.
• Always use ungreased baking sheets so the dough sticks when pressed.
• Practice pressing a few cookies until you find the right rhythm for perfect shapes.

For even more holiday baking inspiration, check out pumpkin cheesecake truffles or apple brownies to add to your dessert tray.

Fun Variations and Spritz Cookie Ideas

Spritz cookies are wonderfully versatile. Here are a few variations you can try:

Danish Spritz Cookies with Almond Flavor

Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract and decorate with sliced almonds for a traditional Danish touch.

Chocolate Dipped Holiday Spritz Cookies

Dip cooled cookies halfway into melted dark or white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive look.

Colorful Spritz Cookies for Christmas

Divide the dough and add food coloring (red, green, or gold) to create multi-colored holiday spritz cookies. This makes them extra cheerful on a cookie platter.

If you enjoy colorful treats, you might also love our birthday cake pops, which are just as fun to decorate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Spritz Cookie Recipes

• Chilling the dough: Cold dough won’t press easily. Keep it soft.
• Greasing the pan: Dough will slip instead of sticking, making shapes uneven.
• Overbaking: Spritz cookies should stay pale with just a hint of golden edges.
• Using too much flour: This can make cookies dry instead of tender.

Serving and Presentation Ideas for Spritz Cookies

Spritz cookies are as much about presentation as flavor. Some ideas include:

• Arrange cookies in a festive tin for gifting.
• Serve on a platter with holiday brownies for variety.
• Create a cookie tree centerpiece by stacking spritz cookies in tiers.
• Pair with warm drinks like hot cocoa or spiced cider for a cozy Christmas dessert table.

Pairing Suggestions: What Goes Well with Spritz Cookies

Spritz cookies pair beautifully with:

• Hot cocoa topped with whipped cream.
• A festive fruit platter.
• Other easy cookies like Halloween sugar cookies for seasonal gatherings.
• Coffee or tea for afternoon snacking.

How to Store and Freeze Spritz Cookies

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months. When thawed, they still taste fresh and buttery.

Recipe Notes and Easy Shortcuts

• For quicker preparation, prepare the dough a day in advance and store it tightly covered in the fridge. Let it soften slightly before pressing.
• A sugar cookie press recipe often uses the same ingredients, so you can switch shapes depending on the occasion.
• This dough can be tinted with food coloring or flavored with citrus zest for extra holiday flair.

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Spritz Cookies Recipe FAQs

Can I make spritz cookies without a cookie press?
Yes, you can pipe the dough through a large star tip, though the shapes will be less precise.

Why are my spritz cookies spreading?
Too much butter or not enough flour can cause spreading. Make sure your measurements are exact.

Can I freeze the dough instead of baked cookies?
Yes, but thaw it fully and bring it to room temperature before pressing through the cookie press.

Are spritz cookies the same as butter cookies?
Yes, spritz cookies are a type of butter cookie, typically shaped with a press for decorative designs.

Conclusion and Call to Action

This Spritz Cookies Recipe is a holiday classic you’ll want to make year after year. With their buttery flavor, festive shapes, and endless decorating possibilities, these cookies are a delightful addition to any Christmas dessert spread. Whether you enjoy Danish spritz cookies, experiment with chocolate-dipped variations, or stick to traditional shapes, they’re guaranteed to bring joy to your holiday season.

If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with friends and family, and subscribe to our blog for more holiday spritz cookies and festive baking ideas. Don’t forget to explore our holiday food collection for more inspiration.

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