Grandma’s Secret Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Recipe

These delightful old fashioned spritz cookies dance between buttery richness and delicate crunch.

Generations of bakers have cherished this classic treat with its simple ingredients.

German bakers originally crafted these melt-in-your-mouth delights using special cookie presses.

Crisp edges and tender centers make them irresistible for holiday gatherings.

Butter, sugar, and flour combine into magical little bites that spark childhood memories.

Decorative shapes emerge from carefully pressed dough, creating edible art.

We guarantee these cookies will become an instant favorite at any celebration.

Hungry for a sweet adventure that connects you to baking traditions?

Why Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Are Always A Hit

• Effortless Holiday Tradition: These classic spritz cookies capture the nostalgic charm of family holiday baking, bringing generations together with their simple yet delightful recipe.
• Press and Bake Perfection: Using a cookie press makes creating intricate, beautiful shapes super easy, transforming ordinary dough into elegant, delicate cookies that look professionally made.
• Quick Sweet Treat: With just a few basic pantry ingredients and minimal prep time, these cookies come together in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal last-minute dessert for unexpected guests or sudden cookie cravings.
• Versatile Flavor Canvas: The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth base allows for endless customization with different extracts, colored sugars, or festive sprinkles, letting bakers express their creativity and personal style.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that provides essential flavor and texture for classic spritz cookies.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate, crisp cookie structure.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic flavor that enhances the cookie's overall taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure for the cookie, creating a light and delicate texture.
• Salt: Subtle seasoning that balances and highlights the cookie's sweet profile.

• Almond Extract: Optional ingredient that adds a subtle, nutty depth to the traditional spritz cookie flavor.
• Food Coloring: Can be used to create festive, colorful cookies for special occasions.

How To Make Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies From Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven dial to 375°F (190°C). Leave the baking sheets ungreased – this helps the cookie dough grip the pan when you press it out.

Step 2: Prepare Cookie Press

Grab your cookie press and ensure it’s clean and dry. Choose a decorative disk that will create a fun shape for your spritz cookies.

Step 3: Mix Butter Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients until they transform into a light, fluffy mixture that looks smooth and pale.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Salt

Mix until the dough comes together without overmixing, which can make cookies tough.

Step 5: Load The Cookie Press

Transfer the dough into the cookie press, filling it carefully to avoid air pockets. Position the press directly on the ungreased baking sheet.

Step 6: Shape The Cookies

Press the trigger steadily to create uniform cookie shapes on the baking sheet. Space them slightly apart to allow for minimal spreading.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake until the cookie edges turn a delicate golden color, usually around 8-10 minutes.

Step 8: Cool And Enjoy

Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicate, buttery spritz cookies!

Smart Tips For Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies

• Press with Precision: Use an ungreased baking sheet to ensure the cookie dough sticks properly when using a cookie press, creating perfectly shaped spritz cookies.
• Temperature Matters: Keep butter at cool room temperature for easy pressing without being too soft, which helps maintain the cookie's intricate design.
• Customize Your Shapes: Experiment with different cookie press discs to create unique designs like flowers, stars, or holiday-themed shapes for festive baking.
• Storage Savvy: Store cooled spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of almond extract or vanilla for extra depth, or sprinkle colored sugar before baking to create more visual appeal and taste variation.

Store And Reheat Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies With Ease

• Refrigerate: Store cooled spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Carefully place cookies in a freezer-safe container, using wax paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Thaw: Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, allowing them to regain their delicate texture.
• Crisp Restoration: If cookies become slightly soft, reheat in a preheated 300F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore their original crispness and delightful crunch.

What Goes Great With Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies

• Elevate with Warm Spiced Chai: Pair these delicate spritz cookies with a fragrant, creamy chai tea that complements their buttery vanilla notes, creating a cozy and comforting flavor experience.
• Match with Smooth Vanilla Latte: The rich, smooth espresso and creamy milk of a vanilla latte beautifully balance the crisp, tender texture of the spritz cookies, enhancing their subtle sweetness.
• Serve alongside Fresh Berry Compote: A bright, tangy berry compote provides a delightful contrast to the rich, buttery cookies, adding a burst of fruity freshness that cuts through the cookie's richness.
• Complement with Dessert Wine: A light, sweet dessert wine like Moscato d'Asti offers a delicate sweetness that harmonizes perfectly with the spritz cookies' delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Flavor Twists On Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies

• Classic Almond Spritz: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor profile. Add sliced almonds on top before baking for extra crunch and visual appeal.
• Chocolate Drizzled Spritz: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies. Sprinkle crushed candy canes or sea salt for added texture and complexity.
• Citrus Zest Spritz: Mix lemon or orange zest into the dough for a bright, refreshing taste. Dust finished cookies with powdered sugar to enhance the citrusy notes.
• Holiday Spice Spritz: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves into the dough. Top with festive sprinkles or finely chopped candied ginger for warmth and seasonal charm.

FAQs About Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies

• What type of cookie press should I use for this recipe?

A metal cookie press with different disc shapes works best. Aluminum or stainless steel presses provide the most consistent and clean cookie shapes.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the spritz cookie dough up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before pressing cookies.

• Why do my cookies keep breaking when I press them?

Make sure your butter is at the perfect room temperature – soft but not melted. Cold butter won’t press smoothly, and overly warm butter will make cookies too soft and fragile.

• Are spritz cookies meant to be crisp or soft?

Traditional spritz cookies are crisp and buttery with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They should have a light, delicate crunch when you bite into them.

Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet nostalgia meets delightful crunch in these classic Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies, beloved holiday treats passed down through generations. German baking traditions shine through these buttery, delicate cookies that melt perfectly with coffee or tea.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Decoration (Optional):

• Colored sugar
• Sprinkles
• Nonpareils

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Instructions

1. Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
2. Select an ungreased baking sheet, as the slight friction helps the cookie dough adhere when using a spritz press.
3. Attach the desired cookie shape disk to the cookie press, selecting a decorative pattern like a flower or star.
4. Load the prepared cookie dough into the press, filling it completely and removing any air pockets.
5. Position the press perpendicular to the baking sheet, applying consistent pressure to create uniform cookie shapes.
6. Space the pressed cookie shapes approximately 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
7. Continue pressing cookies onto the baking sheet until the dough is exhausted, rotating disk shapes for variety if desired.
8. Place the filled baking sheet into the preheated oven, watching carefully to prevent over-browning.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cookie edges turn a delicate golden color.
10. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool directly on the baking sheet for several minutes.
11. Carefully transfer the delicate cookies to a wire cooling rack using a thin spatula.
12. Once completely cooled, store the spritz cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture.

Notes

• Use a sturdy metal cookie press for consistent and beautiful shapes that hold their intricate design during baking.
• Chill the dough slightly before pressing to ensure firmer cookies that maintain crisp edges and prevent spreading.
• Select cold butter straight from the refrigerator to create a stable dough that provides better structure when pressed through cookie molds.
• For gluten-sensitive individuals, swap wheat flour with a reliable 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the classic delicate texture of traditional spritz cookies.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 112
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg