Classic Spritz Cookie Recipe

Classic spritz cookie recipe makes delicate shaped butter cookies. This simple recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make!

A plate of spritz cookies next to a green knit napkin.

Spritz cookies are classic Christmas cookies! This spritz cookie recipe is a family favorite that’s been in my family for years.

What are spritz cookies?

A white plate of spritz cookies next to a white mug.

Spritz cookies are delicate, lightly sweetened butter cookies. The cookies are made using a cookie press and can be made in a variety of shapes.

A cookie press on a silver baking sheet.

What is a cookie press?

A cookie press has a tube that holds cookie dough and a shaped metal plate. The cookie dough is pressed through the plate to make a shape (it’s sort of like pressing play-doh!).

I use the oxo cookie press. It comes with 12 shaped plates, but I also have this cookie press set for more designs.

How to make spritz cookies

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375F.

Creamed butter and sugar in a glass mixing bowl.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together for about 3 minutes on medium until well-combined.

Egg and extracts mixed into creamed butter and sugar mixture.

Step 3: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix in until combined.

Spritz cookie dough in a glass mixing bowl.

Step 4: Stir in the flour and salt until just combined.

Step 5: Add the decorative plate to the cookie press according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 6: Add the dough to the cookie press.

A cookie press pressing dough onto a cookie sheet.

Step 7: Press the cookie press down onto the ungreased cookie sheet as you press out the dough about 2-inches apart.

Step 8: Add sprinkles, if desired.

Step 9: Bake for about 6-9 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.

Baked spritz cookies on a wire cooling rack.

Step 10: Let the cookies sit for 5 minutes, and then transfer to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.

Tips for making spritz cookies

I’ve found that using an ungreased cookie sheet helps the dough to stick to the cookie sheet when pressing it out of the cookie press.
Also, I press the cookie press down as I press out the dough. My cookie press has a rubber seal around the bottom. When I press it down as I press the dough out, it helps the dough to stick to the cookie sheet.
Using room temperature dough works best. It can be difficult to press chilled dough through the cookie press plate.
However, if the dough starts to get too soft, just cover and chill for about 10 minutes.

Rows of spritz cookies on a wire cooling rack.

Recipe FAQs

Can I add food coloring to the dough?

You can! I recommend using gel food coloring to keep from making the dough too soft. I used about 2 drops of green food coloring to tint 1/3 of the dough.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and chill it for up to 3 days before use. Let the dough come up in temperature before pressing.

Can I freeze spritz cookie dough?

You can! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container. Place the dough in the fridge to thaw. Let the dough come up in temperature before pressing.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Yes, the baked cookies can be frozen. Place the baked and cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container. The cookies will keep for up to 3 months.

A close up photo of white and green spritz cookies on a white plate.

Storage

Store the spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. The cookies will keep for 4-5 days when properly stored at room temperature.

More Christmas cookie recipes!

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5 from 5 votes