There’s something undeniably charming about the sight of beautifully crafted cookies sparkling with a rainbow of sprinkles. When I first attempted to make Buttery Spritz Cookies, I found myself transported to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the air was thick with the scent of butter and sweet vanilla. These delightful treats not only melt in your mouth but also bring a sense of nostalgia with every bite.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Perfect for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or even a cozy afternoon at home, these cookies can be customized to suit any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal time in the oven, you can create a batch that will impress family and friends alike without the fuss of complex baking techniques.
Join me in whipping up a batch of these irresistible Buttery Spritz Cookies that will surely satisfy your cravings and banish the boredom of fast food! Let’s dive into the simple steps that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly in no time.
Why are Buttery Spritz Cookies a must-try?
Irresistible Flavor: The rich butter combined with sweet vanilla and almond extracts creates an unforgettable taste that takes cookie lovers to sweet paradise.
Quick and Easy: These cookies are a breeze to make, requiring just 40 minutes from start to finish – perfect for busy days!
Endless Customization: With options for different colors and sprinkles, you can tailor them to any celebration, making them a favorite for both kids and adults.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Yielding about 70 cookies, they are ideal for sharing at events or simply enjoying at home.
Don’t forget to explore other delightful cookie recipes, like my decadent Chocolate Chip Cookies, for even more baking fun!
Buttery Spritz Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
• Unsalted butter – This rich base ingredient provides the cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough for that delightful cookie taste.
• Large egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract – Infuses the cookies with a warm, inviting aroma.
• Almond extract – Adds a unique twist that enhances the buttery flavor.
• All purpose flour – The main structure of the cookies; for best results, use a spoon to lightly measure.
• Salt – Helps to balance the sweetness and enhance overall flavor.
Optional Add-Ins
• Red gel icing color – Perfect for adding festive shades to your cookies.
• Green gel icing color – Great for a pop of color that can match seasonal themes.
• Sprinkles – A joyful finishing touch that makes these Buttery Spritz Cookies visually irresistible!
How to Make Buttery Spritz Cookies
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Preheat Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare your baking sheets with silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
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Cream Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This is the key to a tender texture!
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Add Egg and Extracts: Next, add in the large egg along with the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth, bringing that sweet aroma to life.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the mixture. Stir gently until the dough comes together; if needed, use a rubber spatula to finish mixing. Avoid over mixing for the best results!
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Color the Dough: If you’re feeling creative, divide the dough into portions, adding gel icing color in small amounts to achieve your desired shades. This is where the fun begins!
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Press Cookies: Fill your cookie press with the dough according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Hold it perpendicular to the prepared cookie sheet and gently press out the cookies, leaving enough space between them.
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Sprinkle Decoratively: Before baking, let your creativity shine by decorating the cookies with colorful sprinkles. They’ll look as delightful as they taste!
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Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake the cookies for 5-8 minutes. If you prefer soft cookies, aim for the 5-minute mark. They’ll be golden at the edges when ready.
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Cool Down: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 4-5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely so they can maintain their perfect texture.
Optional: For a delightful twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a touch of decadence!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Buttery Spritz Cookies
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Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your unsalted butter is softened at room temperature for an effortless blending process and a nice, fluffy texture.
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Measure Flour Carefully: To prevent dense cookies, spoon the all-purpose flour into your measuring cup without packing it down. Level off with a knife for precision.
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Don’t Overmix: Combine the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the melt-in-your-mouth experience you desire.
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Experiment with Colors: When adding gel icing colors, start with a tiny bit; you can always add more until you achieve your perfect hue for the Buttery Spritz Cookies.
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Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. For soft cookies, they only need about 5 minutes—not a second longer!
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Cool on Wire Racks: Give your cookies time to cool on the wire rack to maintain their delicate texture. Patience here rewards you with the best final product!
Make Ahead Options
These Buttery Spritz Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh-baked goodness even on the busiest days! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all ingredients and storing the dough tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. For best quality, avoid adding sprinkles until right before baking. When you’re ready to impress your family or guests, simply take the dough out, press it into cookies, decorate with sprinkles, and bake as instructed. This simple make-ahead option will help you save time while ensuring your cookies remain just as delicious and festive when served!
What to Serve with Buttery Spritz Cookies?
Pair your delightful cookies with these tempting choices that will complete your culinary experience and please everyone at the table.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Light and refreshing, this colorful mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of cookies perfectly.
- Creamy Hot Chocolate: The luscious texture of hot chocolate provides a comforting warmth that elevates your sweet treat.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy vanilla melds harmoniously with the buttery flavors of the cookies, creating a delightful contrast.
- Milk or Nut Milk: A classic pairing, the creamy richness of milk complements the sweet, buttery notes of your cookies beautifully.
- Simple Whipped Cream: This light topping adds a fluffy texture that’s both delightful and enhances the cookie flavors.
- Chocolate Ganache Dip: A luxurious chocolate dip drizzled on top will elevate your cookies to a whole new level of indulgence.
- Chai Tea Latte: The spicy warmth of chai tea brings a cozy, aromatic experience that pairs well with the sweet cookies.
- Lemonade or Iced Tea: The citrusy zing from fresh lemonade or refreshing iced tea refreshes your palate after each sweet bite.
- Custom Spritz Icing: Top your cookies with a light glaze using icing to add flair and keep the festivities alive!
- Mini Cheesecake Bites: Rich and creamy, these bites provide a decadent contrast that cookie lovers will adore.
How to Store and Freeze Buttery Spritz Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your cooled Buttery Spritz Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Fridge: For enhanced longevity, store the cookies in the fridge, where they can last for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they’re in a well-sealed container to prevent drying.
Freezer: You can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Allow to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: If you want to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again, warm the cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. Enjoy the delightful aroma as they heat up!
Buttery Spritz Cookies Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your own magic on these delightful cookies and make them truly yours!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
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Vegan: Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) for a plant-based version.
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Choco-Peppermint: Add 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips and a few drops of peppermint extract for a festive twist that will awaken your senses.
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Nutty Delight: Incorporate 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts (like almonds or hazelnuts) into the dough to add a delicious crunch and roasted flavor.
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Citrus Zest: Enhance the aroma by adding 1 tsp of orange or lemon zest to brighten the flavor profile, making each bite refreshing and zesty.
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Spiced Up: Mix in 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon or ginger to add warmth and a cozy kick to your cookies—perfect for chilly days!
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Caramel Swirls: Drizzle melted caramel over the cooled cookies for a rich, gooey layer that complements the buttery base beautifully.
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Savory Touch: Experiment with a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before baking to enhance sweetness and add a unique savory depth to your cookies.
Buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right butter for my Buttery Spritz Cookies?
Absolutely! Always use unsalted butter for your cookies. This allows you to control the salt level in your recipe, ensuring just the right balance of flavors. Look for butter that is fresh with a creamy color and no signs of separation or discoloration.
What’s the best way to store Buttery Spritz Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re looking to make them last longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they are sealed well to avoid drying out!
Can I freeze Buttery Spritz Cookies? How?
Yes, you can freeze these delightful treats for up to 3 months! Begin by letting the cookies cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature. If you want, you can gently warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to revive their fresh-baked goodness.
What if my dough is too sticky for the cookie press?
Very common! If you find your dough is a bit too sticky, simply chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps it hold its shape better when using the cookie press. You can also sprinkle a little flour on your work surface or on your hands while shaping.
Are Buttery Spritz Cookies suitable for people with allergies?
When it comes to allergies, it’s primarily the egg and gluten you need to watch for. You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for a vegan option. For gluten-free cookies, special gluten-free all-purpose flour blends can replace regular flour, but results may vary.
How can I make these cookies festive?
The more the merrier! You can easily customize your Buttery Spritz Cookies by dividing the dough and adding different colors of gel icing before pressing. Top with seasonal sprinkles or even edible glitter to match your event’s theme. Enjoy the baking fun and brighten up your celebrations!
Delicious Buttery Spritz Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare baking sheets with silicone mats.
- Cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the large egg along with the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring gently until the dough comes together.
- If desired, divide the dough and add gel icing colors for different shades.
- Fill a cookie press with the dough and press out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Decorate with colorful sprinkles before baking.
- Bake the cookies for 5-8 minutes, aiming for 5 minutes for soft cookies.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 4-5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.