Name: Buttery Spritz Cookies: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Delights
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 29 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt

In the heart of winter, when the air carries the sweet scent of baking, nothing quite warms the soul like a batch of Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies. These delightful treats, with their tender crumb and melt-in-your-mouth texture, have become a cherished part of my holiday traditions. Not only are they a quick and easy recipe that can be prepped in no time, but they’re also incredibly versatile—perfect for adding your own festive flair with colorful sugars or almond extract. Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange, filling your home with the aroma of comfort, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are bound to become a favorite. Ready to sprinkle some joy into your kitchen? Let’s dive into the delicious world of buttery goodness!

Why are Buttery Spritz Cookies a Must-Bake?

Nostalgic Flavor: These cookies evoke warm memories, with their buttery richness and hint of vanilla.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in no time!
Versatile Treat: From festive sprinkles to unique flavor extracts like almond or lemon, you can tailor these cookies to suit any occasion.
Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze layers spaced with parchment paper for easy access to deliciousness whenever the craving strikes!
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for cookie exchanges or holiday gatherings, they’re sure to impress friends and family. Dive into this classic recipe and bring joy to your holiday season, just like you would with Kitchen Sink Cookies or Red Velvet Crinkle—you’ll be the star baker in no time!

Buttery Spritz Cookies Ingredients

For the Dough

Unsalted Butter – Provides the rich, tender texture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create that light, fluffy consistency when creamed with the butter.
Large Egg – Acts as a binding agent and provides moisture to the dough.
Vanilla Extract – Crucial for enhancing the classic taste with its warm, inviting aroma.
Almond Extract (optional) – Introduces a lovely nutty flavor; using it is completely optional based on your taste.
All-Purpose Flour – Offers the structure needed for these buttery spritz cookies; accurate measuring is key.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Buttery Spritz Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the Buttery Spritz Cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden edge. While your oven warms up, gather your baking sheets, ensuring they are ungreased, which helps the cookies maintain their shape as they rise.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy, with a pale yellow color that signals your base is ready for the next steps. This airy texture is essential for achieving melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Next, add 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to your buttery mixture. If you’re using it, include 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for added flavor. Mix these ingredients on low speed until fully combined, ensuring a smooth and cohesive dough that will carry the delightful flavor throughout your Buttery Spritz Cookies.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until a soft, cohesive dough forms—this may take about 1-2 minutes. The dough should not be sticky but should feel pliable enough to press through your cookie press or piping bag for shaping.

Step 5: Fill the Cookie Press
Once your dough is ready, fill your cookie press with the soft dough, ensuring there are no air pockets. If you don’t have a cookie press, you can also use a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Start pressing or piping the dough onto the ungreased baking sheets in desired shapes, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.

Step 6: Decorate the Cookies
Before baking, feel free to add a festive touch by decorating your unbaked cookies. Sprinkle colorful sugar or festive sprinkles on top for a cheerful appearance. This simple step enhances the visual appeal and adds an extra layer of sweetness to your Buttery Spritz Cookies.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 7-9 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges, which should turn lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to ensure the cookies remain tender and have that delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines classic Buttery Spritz Cookies.

Step 8: Cool and Transfer
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes. This helps them set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool properly ensures they maintain their shape while becoming perfectly crisp on the outside and soft in the center.

Storage Tips for Buttery Spritz Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your Buttery Spritz Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and tasty.

Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf-life, these cookies can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks, but they may lose some of their crispness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 3 months. They’ll maintain their delicious flavor and texture!

Reheating: To enjoy your frozen Buttery Spritz Cookies, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Expert Tips for Buttery Spritz Cookies

• Room Temperature Butter: Start with softened butter at room temperature for the best consistency; this helps in creating a fluffy, smooth dough.

• Precision in Measuring: Use a standard measuring cup for flour to avoid dry cookies; too much flour will lead to a crumbly texture.

• Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to prevent tough cookies; overmixing can change the texture of your Buttery Spritz Cookies.

• Cooling Time: Don’t skip the cooling on the baking sheet; allowing them to cool briefly helps maintain their shape before transferring to a wire rack.

• Use an Ungreased Sheet: Always bake on ungreased sheets; this allows cookies to rise correctly and achieve that perfect spritz shape.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap the almond extract with other flavorings, like lemon or orange, to add a personal twist to your Buttery Spritz Cookies.

What to Serve with Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies

These delightful cookies pair perfectly with a variety of comforting accompaniments for a truly memorable experience.

Warm Tea: Perfect for sipping alongside these cookies, the warmth enhances their buttery essence while offering a soothing touch.
Rich Hot Chocolate: Indulgent and velvety, hot chocolate complements the delicate sweetness of the cookies, making each bite a cozy treat.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A bright, refreshing contrast to the cookies, a fruit salad adds a burst of acidity that balances their richness.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies atop a scoop of ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures—heavenly!
Sweeten the Deal: Consider pairing your cookies with a simple drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for an added, decadent touch.
Festive Eggnog: This creamy beverage carries warm spices that harmonize beautifully with the classic flavor profile of the spritz cookies, enhancing the holiday spirit.
Classic Milk: You can never go wrong with a glass of cold milk! It’s the timeless pairing that children and adults alike will adore.

Make Ahead Options

These Classic Buttery Spritz Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance—simply mix it and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain their quality, be sure to let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before pressing, ensuring it’s pliable and easy to work with (this prevents any straining while shaping). When you’re ready to bake, just preheat the oven, press the cookies onto the baking sheet, and decorate them before baking for 7-9 minutes. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have delicious, homemade Buttery Spritz Cookies ready to impress your family with minimal fuss!

Buttery Spritz Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with these Buttery Spritz Cookies—there are endless ways to customize them and treat your taste buds!

Almond-Free: Swap almond extract for lemon or orange zest to create a refreshing citrus twist.
Add bright flavors that dance on your palate; it’s a delightful reimagining of a classic!
Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the dough for a rich chocolate version.
These variations are perfect for those who can’t resist chocolate’s allure—so tempting!
Frosted Delight: After baking, top the cookies with a light glaze or creamy frosting.
Your guests will be captivated by the luscious finish and added sweetness!
Festive Sprinkles: Use red and green sanding sugar for an extra festive touch.
Kids (and adults alike) will love the cheerful colors that brighten up your cookie tray!
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a delightful crunch.
These additions not only enhance flavor but also add texture, making each bite exciting!
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy spice that plays well with the holiday spirit.
These warm spices create a familiar, inviting aroma as they bake—pure holiday magic!
Chewy Texture: Substitute half of the flour with almond meal for a denser, chewy cookie experience.
This variation offers a nutty flavor and pleasing texture that’s sure to satisfy!

While you’re experimenting in the kitchen, why not explore other delightful treats like Kitchen Sink Cookies or the luscious Red Velvet Crinkle for a festive snack mix? Each cookie tells its own story—let yours shine!

Buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best butter for my Buttery Spritz Cookies?
When selecting butter, I always go for unsalted and ensure it’s at room temperature for optimal creaming. This makes the mixing process easier and helps create that rich texture that’s essential for the melt-in-your-mouth quality of these cookies.

How long do Buttery Spritz Cookies last, and how should I store them?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your Buttery Spritz Cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container. Just remember, refrigeration can affect their crispness slightly.

Can I freeze Buttery Spritz Cookies? What is the best way to do it?
Absolutely! For freezing, layer your cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes for the best taste and texture.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too stiff?
No worries! If your dough seems too stiff for the cookie press, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before trying again. This softening step will make it easier to press and shape your Buttery Spritz Cookies without compromising their delightful texture.

Are Buttery Spritz Cookies safe for pets or allergies?
Since this recipe contains ingredients like butter and eggs, it’s not suitable for pets. Likewise, for those with allergies, be cautious as the cookies contain gluten due to all-purpose flour and can be a concern for those with gluten sensitivity. Always check for any specific allergies with ingredients like almond extract, which should be omitted if there’s an allergy concern.

Can I make variations of Buttery Spritz Cookies?
Very much so! You can easily swap out the almond extract for another flavor like lemon or orange to give your cookies a unique twist. Additionally, adding cocoa powder to half the dough creates delicious chocolate variations, while colorful sugars can make your cookies festive and appealing. Experiment—it’s part of the fun!