Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies

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Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies are the quintessential holiday treat, but honestly, they deserve a spot on your dessert tray all year round. These light, tender cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to a rich butter base and just the right hint of vanilla. Their beauty lies in their simplicity: shaped with a cookie press into charming designs, they don’t need frosting or fillings to win hearts—though a few colorful sprinkles never hurt!

They bake up quickly and can be customized with extracts like almond or lemon, but the classic buttery-vanilla combo is unbeatable. Whether you’re sharing them with guests, gifting them during the holidays, or just enjoying them alongside a hot mug of tea, these cookies feel nostalgic, cheerful, and incredibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe

You’ll fall in love with how easy they are to whip up using pantry staples. The dough is soft enough to press into festive shapes yet firm enough to hold their beautiful detail during baking. They store well and make gorgeous additions to any cookie tin. Plus, they’re perfect for baking with kids—letting little hands decorate the cookies is part of the joy.

This recipe is also endlessly adaptable. Add citrus zest for brightness or dip cooled cookies in chocolate for a dressed-up version. Whether you go traditional or inventive, you’ll come back to this one again and again.

What Kind of Cookie Press Should I Use?

A sturdy metal cookie press works best, especially one with easy-to-swap discs for various festive designs. Look for one that gives you good grip control and consistency. If you’re new to cookie presses, go slow and practice a few presses before baking. Also, don’t grease your cookie sheet—the dough needs a bit of resistance to grip the pan and release properly.

Ingredients for the Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies

The key to great spritz cookies lies in using quality butter and measuring flour correctly to avoid a dry dough. Room temperature ingredients are also essential for that perfect dough consistency.

• Unsalted butter – It’s the heart of the cookie, creating a rich, tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps with slight caramelization on the bottom.
• Egg – Adds structure and helps bind the dough together.
• Vanilla extract – For a classic warm flavor; you can mix with almond extract for depth.
• All-purpose flour – Gives body to the dough; be sure to spoon and level for accurate measuring.
• Salt – Just a touch to balance out the sweetness and enhance flavor.

How To Make the Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, blending until everything is well combined and smooth. The mixture should look creamy and pale.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 4: Fill the Cookie Press

Scoop dough into your cookie press fitted with your favorite disc design. Press the cookies directly onto an ungreased, unlined baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.

Step 5: Decorate and Bake

Top cookies with festive sprinkles if desired. Bake at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are just barely golden. Let cool on the pan for a minute, then transfer to a wire rack.

Storing and Serving These Buttery Beauties

This recipe yields about 5 dozen cookies, depending on the size and shape of your press. They keep their texture well and can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you plan to make them ahead for an event, you can also freeze them—either the baked cookies or the raw dough.

When serving, arrange them on a platter with a few different shapes and colors for visual appeal. They’re dainty, delicate, and delightful with tea, coffee, or a simple glass of milk.

What to Serve With Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies?

Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows

A cozy cup of cocoa pairs beautifully with the light, buttery texture of these cookies.

Apple Cider

Warm apple cider balances the cookie’s richness with a touch of fruity spice.

Christmas Punch

If you’re serving a crowd, a fruity, fizzy holiday punch keeps the festive vibes going.

Coffee or Espresso

The bold notes of coffee make a lovely contrast to the cookie’s delicate sweetness.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Sandwich a scoop between two spritz cookies for a fun twist.

Citrus Curd

Serve with lemon or orange curd for a bright, tangy companion.

Whipped Cream and Berries

Create an easy dessert board with spritz cookies, lightly sweetened whipped cream, and fresh berries.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other irresistible bakes:

• Cherry-Topped Coconut Macaroons for a chewy, tropical bite.
• Ooey Gooey Bars if you’re craving rich layers of sweetness.
• Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries for a fruity dessert with creamy flair.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes for a bite-sized treat with big flavor.
• Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler for a down-home dessert experience.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try adding almond extract? Or maybe dipped them in chocolate?

I love hearing how others put their own spin on these classics. Feel free to ask questions, share tips, or just drop a cookie emoji if you baked along with me!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and daily desserts on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite treat!

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