Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Recipe
Picture this: the delicate scent of vanilla and almond filling your kitchen, mingling with the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked cookies. The crisp edges and tender centers of these Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies melt in your mouth like little bursts of nostalgia, each bite a reminder of treasured holiday moments or cozy afternoons spent baking with loved ones. This Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Recipe is your golden ticket to simple, charming cookies that look as delightful as they taste, perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare: Ready in just around 30 minutes, these cookies deliver charm without a lengthy wait.
- Uses simple pantry staples: With common ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour, it’s perfect for last-minute baking inspiration.
- Perfect for beginners: No fancy techniques required, just straightforward instructions that anyone can follow.
- Impressive presentation: The cookie press creates elegant, intricate shapes that make you look like a pro baker.
- Customizable decorating options: Sprinkle colored sugars or festive sprinkles to suit any occasion or mood.
Why This Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Recipe Works
This Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Recipe succeeds thanks to the perfect balance of butter and sugar creamed to dreamy fluffiness, which gives the cookies their melt-in-the-mouth texture. The almond and vanilla extracts bring a subtle, classic aroma that elevates the flavor while sticking to simple ingredients keeps it approachable. Using a cookie press ensures uniform, beautiful shapes that bake evenly, while the slight golden edges offer just the right crispness with a tender bite inside. Together, these elements create the quintessential spritz cookie experience that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here is a building block for classic, buttery spritz cookies with a hint of sweet vanilla and almond essence.
- All-purpose flour: The essential base providing structure and lightness to the cookies.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to creamy perfection, it adds rich flavor and tender texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens while aiding the cookie’s delicate crisp edges.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture for softness.
- Vanilla extract: Delivers warm, aromatic sweetness that melts into the dough.
- Almond extract: Just a touch adds that unmistakable nostalgic spritz cookie flavor.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Colored sugar or sprinkles: For a festive finishing touch that makes each cookie pop.
Ingredient Substitutions & Tips
- Unsalted butter: Can swap with salted butter if you reduce added salt.
- Granulated sugar: Fine sanding sugar works well for extra sparkle or coconut sugar for a slight caramel twist.
- Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla bean paste or vanilla powder if preferred.
- Almond extract: Substitute with lemon or orange extract for a different citrusy flair.
👨🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use room temperature butter: Soft butter creams better with sugar, giving your dough the perfect texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Blend until just combined to keep cookies tender.
- Chill your cookie press dough briefly: Helps maintain shape when pressing onto the baking sheet.
- Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking: Ensures even, golden edges every time.
- Experiment with decorative sugars: Adds festive sparkle and texture to your cookies.
How to Make Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare ungreased baking sheets. This higher temperature encourages the iconic, lightly golden edges spritz cookies are known for.
💡 Pro Tip: Line your oven racks to catch any wayward sprinkles for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step creates that airy base for tender cookies.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a stand mixer or hand mixer for easier, consistent creaming.
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Mix in the egg, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts, beating until everything combines into a smooth, fragrant batter.
💡 Pro Tip: Crack eggs into a separate bowl first to avoid shells in your dough.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add this to your wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overwork the dough once you add the flour; gentle mixing keeps your spritz melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Step 5: Press and Decorate
Fill your cookie press with the dough and carefully press cookie shapes onto your ungreased baking sheets. Sprinkle colored sugar or festive sprinkles over the raw dough for a joyful finish.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep the dough cool but soft enough to flow smoothly through the press.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely for edges to turn a delicate golden hue. Remove and allow to cool on the sheet briefly before transferring to a rack.
💡 Pro Tip: Letting cookies cool slightly on the sheet helps them firm up without breaking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from these common pitfalls:
- Using cold butter: Leads to uneven mixing and tough cookies.
- Overmixing the dough: Can create dense, hard cookies instead of light and tender ones.
- Pressing cookies onto greased sheets: Makes shaping difficult and affects baking texture.
- Skipping chilling when dough is too warm: Causes spreading and misshapen cookies.
- Baking too long: Results in dry, overly crisp cookies losing their soft center.
- Not rotating pans halfway: May cause uneven browning and inconsistent results.
Delicious Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered this Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Recipe, why not take it for a little spin?
Chocolate Spritz
Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich, chocolaty update that melts in your mouth beautifully.
Citrus Zest Spritz
Incorporate a teaspoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest into the dough for a bright, refreshing lift to these buttery morsels.
Espresso Infused
Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dough for a subtle coffee kick that pairs wonderfully with holiday coffee hours.
Nutty Delight
Fold in finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds just before pressing for a delightful crunch and added warmth.
Festive Spice
Mix in a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to evoke cozy winter vibes, perfect for holiday gatherings.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Finish with dustings of powdered sugar, drizzles of melted chocolate, or a quick rainbow sprinkle topping to make each cookie a miniature celebration.
Side Dishes
Pair your spritz cookies with a crisp green salad for contrast, buttery garlic bread for indulgence, or roasted seasonal vegetables for a balanced holiday snack plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange cookies in beautifully stacked tins, wrap in cellophane with festive ribbons, or create colorful cookie platters with assorted spritz variations to delight guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your spritz cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, preserving the tender texture and buttery flavor.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked pressed cookies by placing them on a tray, freezing until solid, then transferring to a ziplock bag. Bake from frozen adding an extra minute or two to baking time.
Reheating
Warm cookies gently in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to refresh their just-baked crispness and aroma before serving.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter in this Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Recipe?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.
What if I don’t have a cookie press?
Use a piping bag with a star tip or shape small dough balls and flatten gently for a similar effect.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for best structure.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your dough is chilled, and avoid using greased baking sheets as the cookies need grip to hold their shape.
Are spritz cookies good for decorating for holidays?
Absolutely! Their classic shapes and smooth surfaces are perfect for icing, sanding sugars, and vibrant sprinkles.
Can I prepare dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate dough for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to a month—just bring it to room temperature before using the press.
Why do my spritz cookies sometimes turn out dry?
Overbaking is often the culprit. Keep an eye on baking time and pull them out when edges just begin to turn golden.
What is best for storing spritz cookies long term?
Freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container with parchment layers in between for up to three months.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a cookie recipe that transports you back to simpler times while filling your home with irresistible aroma. This Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Recipe combines easy preparation, a few pantry staples, and the joy of creating beautifully shaped treats that taste like love at first bite. Whether you’re baking for special occasions or everyday sweetness, these cookies bring warmth and smiles around the table.
Have you tried this Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🍪
PrintOld Fashioned Spritz Cookies Recipe
Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies bring a nostalgic charm with their delicate buttery texture and subtle almond flavor. This approachable recipe uses simple pantry staples and offers flexible ingredient swaps, making it easy to create these classic cookies decorated with colorful sugar or sprinkles that add festive flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Decoration
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal baking temperature before the cookies go in.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract with the creamed butter and sugar until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt (note: the original recipe does not state baking powder, so it has not been added).
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Form Cookies: Fill your cookie press with the prepared dough and press the dough shapes directly onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them appropriately.
- Decorate: Sprinkle colored sugar or festive sprinkles on top of the unbaked cookies to add color and sparkle.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges become lightly golden, signaling they are done.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Additional serving suggestions include pairing these cookies with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables to create a balanced meal.
- For make-ahead convenience, prepare dough components separately and assemble the cookies just before baking to preserve the ideal texture and freshness.
Keywords: Spritz Cookies, Old Fashioned Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Cookie Press Recipes, Butter Cookies, Classic Cookies
