Name: Deliciously Buttery Spritz Cookies That Melts in Your Mouth
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted butter (at room temperature); 3/4 cup Granulated sugar; 1 large Egg; 1 tsp Vanilla extract; 1 tsp Almond extract; 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp Salt; Red gel icing color (Optional); Green gel icing color (Optional); Sprinkles

The moment I uncap that bright green gel icing, a wave of nostalgia rushes over me, taking me back to sunny afternoons spent in the kitchen with my grandmother. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Buttery Spritz Cookies, a delightful treat that’s not just a feast for the senses, but also perfect for every baking occasion. With just a handful of ingredients and an easy preparation time, you’ll find these cookies become a staple in your home, bringing smiles and warmth to family gatherings or simply a cozy night in. Their vibrant colors and playful shapes make them a showstopper, while their melt-in-your-mouth texture ensures they’re a crowd-pleaser. Are you ready to whip up a batch of these charming cookies and create sweet memories of your own? Let’s get baking!

Why are Buttery Spritz Cookies irresistible?

Simplicity at its finest: With just a few common ingredients, this recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Delectable flavor: The buttery richness paired with a hint of almond creates a flavor that’s simply unforgettable.

Perfect for sharing: Yielding about 70 cookies, they’re ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or just because—everyone will keep coming back for more!

Customizable fun: You can easily change up the colors and decorations for any occasion, making them perfect for birthdays, holidays, or festive celebrations.

Quick to bake: Ready in under an hour, you can enjoy fresh cookies without spending all day in the kitchen.

Whether you enjoy them yourself or give them as gifts, these Buttery Spritz Cookies are sure to brighten anyone’s day!

Buttery Spritz Cookies Ingredients

For the Dough

Unsalted butter – 1 cup (224g) at room temperature ensures a creamy texture that binds the dough beautifully.
Granulated sugar – ¾ cup (155g) adds sweetness and contributes to that delightful crunch as they bake.
Large egg – 1 egg helps to bind the ingredients and gives the cookies a rich, tender crumb.
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon enhances the buttery flavor and rounds out the overall taste profile.
Almond extract – 1 teaspoon adds a subtle nuttiness that makes these Buttery Spritz Cookies unforgettable!
All-purpose flour – 2 ¼ cups (293g) forms the base of the dough, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Salt – ½ teaspoon balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors beautifully.

For the Decoration

Red gel icing color – Optional, perfect for adding festive flair to your cookies for any occasion.
Green gel icing color – Optional, great for creating vibrant decorations that appeal to both kids and adults!
Sprinkles – Adding a finishing touch of fun that brings joy and color to your cookies.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Buttery Spritz Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While it’s warming up, line your baking sheets with silicone baking mats; this ensures easy cookie removal and perfect baking. Make sure to avoid using parchment paper for this recipe, as it can affect the spritz cookie texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter with ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Using a mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes Buttery Spritz Cookies irresistible.

Step 3: Add Egg
Next, crack in 1 large egg and mix until fully incorporated. Use the mixer to combine until the egg merges smoothly into the buttery mixture, creating a rich and creamy consistency. This addition helps bind the dough and makes each cookie tender and delicious.

Step 4: Incorporate Extracts
Pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of almond extract, mixing until everything is well combined. The fragrant aromas will fill your kitchen, hinting at the delightful taste ahead. The extracts serve to enhance the buttery flavors in your Buttery Spritz Cookies, adding a delicious depth to each bite.

Step 5: Mix in Flour and Salt
Gradually add in 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of salt to the bowl. Mix on low speed until the dough just comes together; be careful not to over mix. You want that perfect consistency for piping the cookies—soft yet firm enough to hold their shape during baking.

Step 6: Color the Dough (Optional)
If you’d like to add color to your dough, divide it into parts and start adding red or green gel icing color slowly. Mix each part thoroughly, adjusting the color as needed to achieve your desired vibrancy. This step allows you to customize your Buttery Spritz Cookies for any occasion, making them even more delightful.

Step 7: Prepare for Pressing
Transfer the cookie dough into your cookie press, ensuring you follow any specific instructions provided with your tool. Hold the press perpendicular to your lined baking sheet to avoid uneven shapes. As you squeeze the trigger, release beautiful, shaped cookies onto the mat, leaving enough space between each to allow for expansion while baking.

Step 8: Add Sprinkles
Once your cookie shapes are on the baking sheet, it's time to get creative! Decorate each cookie with colorful sprinkles if desired; this adds a joyful touch that anyone will love. These small details turn your Buttery Spritz Cookies into a festive treat perfect for sharing during gatherings or holiday festivities.

Step 9: Bake Cookies
Pop the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 5-8 minutes. For softer cookies, pull them out closer to the 5-minute mark. Keep an eye on the edges; they should be lightly golden. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be a delightful sign that your cookies are almost ready!

Step 10: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 4-5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up and makes moving them easy without breaking. Once cooled completely, your Buttery Spritz Cookies are ready to be enjoyed or stored for later sweet moments!

Make Ahead Options

These Buttery Spritz Cookies are ideal for meal prep, making baking a breeze even on the busiest days! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. When you're ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature before pressing it into shapes. If you're planning to bake later in the week, you can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving. This way, you'll have a delightful batch of cookies that's just as delicious and ready to enjoy, all while saving time for other important tasks!

Buttery Spritz Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to elevate your Buttery Spritz Cookies with these delightful twists—let your creativity shine!

Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter for a plant-based version that’s just as tasty.
Nut-Free: Omit almond extract and replace it with an extra teaspoon of vanilla to keep the cookies deliciously simple.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to keep everyone included at the table.
Citrus Zest: Add grated lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, zesty kick that beautifully complements the sweet flavors.
Chocolate-Dipped: Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate for a decadent touch that adds rich flavor and a delightful crunchy texture.
Spicy Twist: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor—especially lovely around the holidays!
Colorful Fun: Incorporate pastel sprinkles or colored chocolate chips into the dough for a fun and festive surprise in every bite.
Chai Delight: Use chai spice mix in place of vanilla and almond extracts for a cozy, chai-flavored cookie that’s perfect for tea time.

Whatever variations you choose, remember that baking is all about joy and creativity. Just like in my favorite Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies, it’s the personal touches that make these treats truly yours!

Expert Tips for Buttery Spritz Cookies

Butter Temperature Matters: Make sure your unsalted butter is at room temperature for easy creaming and a lighter cookie texture.
Don’t Overmix: When incorporating flour, mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies. A gentle hand is key!
Cookie Press Technique: Hold the cookie press perpendicular to the baking sheet. This ensures even shapes and prevents any mishaps while piping your Buttery Spritz Cookies.
Baking Time Awareness: Keep an eye on your cookies; they can go from perfect to overbaked quickly! For soft cookies, take them out around the 5-minute mark.
Color with Care: When adding gel icing color, start small. You can always add more, but it’s tough to lighten the dough once it’s bright!
Store Thoughtfully: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to maintain their beautiful designs.

What to Serve with Buttery Spritz Cookies

Indulge in a delightful array of pairings that elevate your cookie experience and create a truly enchanting dessert table.

Rich Hot Chocolate: The decadent, creamy flavors contrast wonderfully with the buttery sweetness of your cookies, making each bite a cozy delight.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing burst that balances the richness of the cookies, brightening up any gathering.
Coffee or Tea: Warm beverages like coffee or tea enhance the buttery flavors while providing a comforting warmth that complements the cookies perfectly.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of melty vanilla ice cream on top of a warm cookie creates a luscious treat—think s'mores but in cookie form!
Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melted chocolate for dipping takes the classic spritz cookie up a notch, inviting both adults and kids to indulge in a rich experience.
Mini Cupcakes: Pairing with adorable mini cupcakes offers a playful variety to your dessert table, creating an exciting feast for the eyes and taste buds.
Milkshake: A whimsical milkshake, whether chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry, gives a nostalgic touch that pairs beautifully with the cookies’ delicate flavors.
Spiced Apple Cider: Seasonal spiced apple cider brings warmth and nostalgia, marrying perfectly with the holiday vibes of your buttery treats.
Lemon Bars: Bright and tart lemon bars provide a zesty contrast that cuts through the richness, creating a delightful balance of flavors over the festive season.

How to Store and Freeze Buttery Spritz Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. To protect decorated designs, place wax paper between layers of cookies.
Fridge: If you want to prolong freshness, you can refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for about 1 week, although they are best enjoyed at room temperature.
Freezer: Freeze baked Buttery Spritz Cookies for up to 3 months. Once cooled, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Dough Storage: You can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 3 days. Bring it back to room temperature before pressing to maintain the right consistency for shaping.

Buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best ingredients for Buttery Spritz Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results with your Buttery Spritz Cookies, ensure you use unsalted butter that’s at room temperature to achieve that creamy texture. Choose granulated sugar with a fine grain for an even dissolve, and look for fresh eggs from a reputable source. Freshness matters! Your extracts should be of good quality too—real vanilla and almond extracts work wonders over artificial ones.

How do I store leftover Buttery Spritz Cookies?
Very! To keep your delicious cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Remember to place wax paper between layers to protect any decorative icing or sprinkles. If you prefer, they can also be refrigerated in the same manner, but they are simply delightful at room temperature!

Can I freeze Buttery Spritz Cookies?
Of course! You can freeze your baked Buttery Spritz Cookies for up to 3 months. Once they’ve cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to label them with the date! When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky to work with?
No worries, this happens sometimes! If your dough feels a bit too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This helps solidify the butter and makes piping easier. Alternatively, you can lightly flour your hands or the cookie press to help it glide. Just a little flour can make all the difference!

Are Buttery Spritz Cookies suitable for people with allergies?
It’s important to be cautious! The basic recipe contains flour, butter, and egg, which are common allergens. If you’re baking for someone with allergies, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, use gluten-free flour, and egg substitutes like applesauce or flaxseed meal. However, always double-check your specific dietary needs and ingredient labels!

How do I ensure my cookies come out perfectly shaped?
Absolutely! For impeccable shapes, always hold your cookie press perpendicular to the baking sheet as you press out the cookies. It might take a little practice, but make sure not to rush the process. If you find your designs aren’t coming out well, check the dough consistency. If it's too thin or too thick, your cookies might not hold shape—adjusting the flour slightly can help!