The Ultimate Guide to Baking Perfect Old-Fashioned Spritz Cookies for the Holidays
Embark on a delightful baking journey this holiday season with the best recipe for classic spritz cookies! These tender, buttery cookies are an absolute staple for Christmas and a cherished tradition that brings warmth and festive cheer to any gathering. Adorned with sparkling sugars or vibrant sprinkles, these old-fashioned cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make and decorate. Crafted with the aid of a trusty cookie press, this timeless recipe ensures beautifully shaped, melt-in-your-mouth treats that capture the true spirit of the holidays. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these irresistible, perfectly pressed delights!
Discovering My Go-To Spritz Cookie Recipe
For many years, the art of making spritz cookies eluded me. I admired them endlessly, especially when my dear friend, Julie, would grace our annual cookie exchanges with her perfectly crafted batches. Her cookies were always a highlight, but despite my best efforts, experimenting with various cookie presses and countless recipes, my attempts consistently fell short. It felt like an impossible task, a holiday baking mystery I couldn’t solve. That was until one memorable Christmas when Julie presented me with a truly special gift that changed everything.
Julie, knowing my struggles, had searched high and low for a metal cookie press similar to her mother’s cherished one, eventually finding a vintage gem on eBay! This thoughtful present wasn’t just a piece of equipment; it came with her mom’s secret: a handwritten lemon spritz cookie recipe, complete with all her invaluable tips and tricks for making the absolute best spritz cookies. It was a baking revelation, unlocking the secrets I had longed to uncover.
From that Christmas forward, my cookie-making woes vanished, and I’ve been crafting perfect, beautiful spritz cookies ever since! The anticipation in my family builds each year as they eagerly await these freshly baked delights to fill our holiday cookie tins. And yes, these classic, buttery cookies are also utterly perfect for leaving out for Santa on Christmas Eve – a truly magical treat. While I personally adore the bright, zesty flavor of lemon amidst the traditional peppermint and chocolate on my holiday dessert trays, offering a refreshing variety, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to customize your batch by substituting lemon extract with classic vanilla or warm almond extract to suit your preference!
Spritz vs. Butter Cookies: Understanding the Delicious Distinction
Many wonder about the relationship between spritz cookies and butter cookies, as they share many similarities and are often confused. While they are indeed closely related members of the cookie family, there is a fundamental difference between the two! The primary distinction lies in their ingredients: spritz cookie dough traditionally includes an egg, whereas classic butter cookie dough does not. This subtle addition of egg significantly impacts the final texture and crumb of the cookie. Spritz cookies, with their egg content, tend to be slightly more delicate, crisp, and crumbly, offering a truly unique melt-in-your-mouth experience that sets them apart from their dense, often richer butter cookie cousins. Understanding this key ingredient variation helps appreciate the nuanced differences in their delightful textures.
Why This Spritz Cookie Recipe Stands Out as The Best
- Perfect for Festive Christmas Baking: As the holiday season draws near, the urge to bake, bake, bake becomes undeniable! These delightful lemon spritz cookies are my absolute go-to every single year, bringing an immense amount of joy and holiday spirit to my kitchen. The charming shapes created by the cookie press—from intricate leaf designs to whimsical swirls—are simply adorable and a treat for both the eyes and the palate. The addition of vibrant sprinkles elevates their festive appeal, making them not only delicious to eat but also truly beautiful to display on your holiday table or arrange on a festive platter. Moreover, their elegant appearance and delectable taste make them fantastic for gifting, whether to neighbors, friends, or as part of a thoughtful homemade holiday basket.
- Remarkably Easy to Make: Don’t let the intricate designs intimidate you; this is a refreshingly simple cookie dough recipe that almost anyone can master! It’s an ideal activity to involve the kids in the kitchen, creating cherished holiday memories together. While a spritz cookie press might seem daunting at first glance, you’ll quickly discover it’s incredibly user-friendly and adds a fun, creative dimension to your baking. The straightforward steps and reliable results make this recipe a joy for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike.
- Sweet, Buttery, and Utterly Delicious: Prepare your taste buds for an exquisite experience! These old-fashioned spritz cookies are a symphony of textures and flavors—buttery rich, wonderfully flaky, perfectly sweet, and delicately crumbly, melting beautifully in your mouth. If you appreciate the comforting taste of classic, homemade cookies, then you are absolutely going to adore these. Each bite delivers that nostalgic, wholesome flavor that defines holiday baking.
- An Experience Filled with Fun and Nostalgia: Baking these cookies during the holidays isn’t just about the end product; it’s about the entire experience. There’s a special magic in a warm kitchen filled with the sweet, enticing aromas of freshly baked goods. This process often evokes beautiful memories, transporting you back to childhood days spent helping Mom or Grandma with various Christmas cookies, creating a wonderful sense of nostalgia and tradition. It’s a joyful activity that fills your home with warmth, love, and the irresistible scent of holiday cheer.
Essential Ingredients for Your Spritz Cookies
To create these perfect holiday treats, you’ll only need a few fundamental cookie ingredients, readily available in most kitchens. Find the precise measurements in the printable recipe card below, but here’s a closer look at what makes these cookies so special.
Wet Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor and Texture
Crisco: I swear by Crisco for thoroughly greasing the baking sheets. This crucial step ensures that your beautifully piped cookies release effortlessly from the pan without sticking, preventing any frustration and preserving their delicate shapes. A well-greased pan means perfect cookies every time. If Crisco isn’t available, butter can also be used, but ensure the coverage is complete and even.
Unsalted Butter: As a cornerstone ingredient in these buttery cookies, you’ll need a good quality unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air that contributes to the cookies’ light and tender texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the exact salt content in your recipe.
Egg: Just one whole egg, brought to room temperature, is essential for this recipe. A room temperature egg emulsifies better with the butter and sugar, resulting in a more uniform, delicate, and perfectly crumbly cookie texture that truly distinguishes a great spritz cookie.
Lemon Extract: I personally love the bright, refreshing tang that lemon extract imparts, providing a lovely contrast to other holiday flavors. However, this recipe is incredibly adaptable! Feel free to substitute with classic vanilla extract for a timeless taste, or opt for almond extract if you prefer a richer, nutty aroma and flavor profile. The choice is yours to customize your perfect cookie.
Dry Ingredients: Structure and Sweetness
White Granulated Sugar: This classic sweetener is not just for taste; it’s key to the soft texture and structure of these cookies. Granulated sugar provides the perfect balance of sweetness and aids in creating that desirable light, crisp crumb when creamed with butter.
All-Purpose Flour: A simple yet vital ingredient, all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure for these cookies and is ideal for all types of baking. For those with dietary restrictions, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be successfully substituted, allowing everyone to enjoy these festive treats.
Salt: A small but mighty ingredient, salt plays a crucial role beyond just flavor. It balances the sweetness of the sugar, enhances the other flavors in the cookie, and also helps to activate the baking powder, ensuring a perfectly risen and delicious cookie.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent is absolutely essential for achieving the desired light and slightly puffed texture in your spritz cookies. Baking powder helps the cookies rise and become beautifully fluffy, contributing to their delicate crumb. Do not skip this ingredient!
Sprinkles or Colored Sugar: Embrace the holiday spirit by decorating your cookies with your favorite red and green colored sugars or festive sprinkles. The possibilities don’t end there—switch up the colors for other holidays like Easter or Valentine’s Day, or use multi-colored sprinkles for a fun treat any time of year! Decorations add that final touch of joy and personalization.
Where Did Spritz Cookies Originate? Unraveling Their History
The beloved spritz cookie has a rich history, tracing its origins back to Germany. There, these delightful butter cookies were originally known as “Spritzgeback.” The name “Spritz” itself comes from the German word “spritzen,” which literally translates to “to squirt” or “to squ squish.” This perfectly describes the unique method of forming these cookies by pressing, or “squirting,” the soft dough through a specialized cookie press directly onto a baking sheet, creating their distinctive and intricate shapes. This method has been cherished for generations, bringing these beautiful and tasty treats to holiday tables around the world.
How to Make The Best Lemon Spritz Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C). While the oven heats, generously grease your cookie sheets with Crisco. This thorough greasing is paramount to ensure your delicate cookies don’t stick and can be easily removed once baked. If Crisco is unavailable, butter can be used as an alternative, but ensure a very even coating. At this stage, place your cookie press in the refrigerator to chill. A cold press is crucial for optimal dough extrusion and perfect shapes.
Step 2: Cream Together Sugar and Butter Until Fluffy
In a large mixing bowl, using either a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat them on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes wonderfully light, pale, and fluffy. This aeration process is key to creating a tender cookie.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg and Lemon Extract
Once the butter and sugar mixture is light and airy, add the room temperature egg and your chosen extract (lemon, vanilla, or almond). Continue to beat until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
Step 4: Sift Dry Ingredients and Gently Combine with Wet
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Sifting helps to eliminate lumps and ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed, contributing to a light cookie. Gradually add this sifted flour mixture to the butter mixture in three separate additions. After each addition, gently stir by hand or on very low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Load and Prepare the Cookie Press
Retrieve your chilled cookie press from the refrigerator. Firmly pack the cookie dough into the barrel of the press, ensuring there are no air pockets. Securely attach your desired disc design to the end of the press. The chilled press helps the dough hold its shape beautifully as it’s extruded.
Step 6: Press the Cookies onto the Baking Sheet
Position the cookie press directly onto the well-greased baking sheet. Press the trigger or handle, releasing the dough into your chosen designs. Apply firm, even pressure to create consistent shapes. Lift the press straight up once each cookie is formed. Feel free to get creative and use a variety of the different disc designs included with your press to make an assortment of festive shapes!
Step 7: Decorate the Cookies with Festive Toppings
Immediately after pressing, sprinkle the cookies generously with your chosen colored sugars or festive sprinkles. The slightly tacky dough will ensure the decorations adhere beautifully during baking. You can easily purchase a wide array of colored sugars from the store, or for a truly personal touch, make your own as my Mom does for her classic sugar cookie recipe. Another wonderful idea is flavoring your own sugars with different extracts to add an extra layer of deliciousness and aroma to your spritz cookies!
Step 8: Bake and Cool Your Perfect Spritz Cookies
Finally, transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven and bake the cookies for approximately seven minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary slightly between ovens. Overbaking can make them too crisp. Once baked, carefully remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they maintain their delicate structure. Once fully cooled, store your delicious lemon spritz cookies in an airtight container or your favorite cookie jar to maintain their freshness!
Decorating Dilemma: Sprinkles Before or After Baking?
A common question when making spritz cookies is when to add the delightful sprinkles. For the best results, I strongly recommend adding the sprinkles or colored sugar to the dough *before* the cookies are baked. The slight moisture and tackiness of the raw cookie dough create the perfect surface for the sprinkles to adhere to. As the cookies bake, the dough sets around the sprinkles, ensuring they remain firmly in place and vibrant, adding beautiful color and texture to your finished treats. Attempting to add them after baking often results in them falling off, leaving your cookies less festive!
The Secret to Consistently Perfect Spritz Cookies
Achieving flawless spritz cookies every time involves a few key techniques. First, when incorporating the flour into your wet ingredients, do so slowly, in small intervals, and gently stir by hand until *just* combined. Overmixing the dough is a common pitfall that can lead to tough, dense cookies. Second, and crucially, make sure your cookie press is chilled before filling and using it. A cold press helps the dough release cleanly and maintain its intricate shapes, preventing smearing. Conversely, **do not chill the dough itself**; the dough needs to be soft and pliable, even slightly sticky, to be pressed effectively. Finally, when pressing the cookies, work directly above the unlined (or very lightly greased) baking sheet. This ensures the dough can easily be pressed into different shapes without distortion, adhering properly to the baking surface. Mastering these “secrets” will elevate your spritz cookie game to perfection.
Important Notes and Expert Tips for Spritz Cookie Success
- For consistently perfect shapes and easy dough release, be absolutely sure to chill the cookie press before loading it with dough. This step is critical. However, it’s equally important not to chill the dough itself. The dough needs to remain soft and tacky to properly adhere to the baking sheet and press through the discs smoothly.
- Remember that all ovens can vary in temperature and efficiency, so always be sure to watch these cookies carefully as they bake. While my recipe suggests seven minutes for a perfectly delicate golden color, in different ovens, these cookies might take anywhere between eight and ten minutes to achieve that barely golden brown edge. Trust your visual cues more than the timer for optimal results.
- To keep your spritz cookies fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Planning ahead for the busy holiday season? This is a fantastic make-ahead recipe! These lemon spritz cookies are incredibly easy to freeze, both baked and unbaked, and they freeze exceptionally well. For baked cookies, simply let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to serve, just pull them out and let them thaw at room temperature. For unbaked dough, wrap it tightly and freeze. You can even press the cookies and freeze them unbaked on a tray, then transfer to a container. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- Flavor Variations: Don’t limit yourself to lemon! Experiment with different extracts like peppermint for a truly festive twist, or a hint of orange for a citrusy delight. You can also divide the dough and add a few drops of food coloring to create vibrant, multi-colored cookies for an even more playful presentation.
- Troubleshooting Tip: If your dough isn’t sticking to the cookie sheet, ensure your sheet isn’t too hot (it should be at room temperature) and that it’s properly greased according to the recipe. If shapes are smearing, your dough might be too warm, or your cookie press isn’t chilled enough. Try chilling the press again.
Love These Classic Cookies? Pin This Recipe for Later!
Don’t let these invaluable tips and tricks for making the best old-fashioned spritz cookies slip away! Be sure to pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board before you go, so you can easily find it for all your future holiday baking endeavors. Share the joy and the secrets to perfect spritz cookies with your friends and family!
More Irresistible Cookie Recipes You Will Adore!
Feeling inspired and truly in the baking spirit? I certainly am! If you’ve loved making these spritz cookies, then you’re going to want to explore these other fantastic cookie recipes that are perfect for any occasion, especially during the festive season. Get ready to expand your repertoire of delightful homemade treats!
- Funfetti Sugar Cookies (pictured above)
- Peppermint Dipped Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Grinch Shortbread Bites
- Chocolate Sugar Kiss Cookies
- Frosted Eggnog Cookies
- Lemon Palmiers
- Orange Meltaway Cookies
I am thrilled to be participating in Christmas Cookies Week – an exciting event where a group of passionate bloggers come together to bake and share all sorts of yummy cookie creations throughout the week! Discover an extensive list of other wonderful ideas below to inspire your holiday cookie baking.
Even More Festive Christmas Treats to Explore!
While cookies are an absolute must for any holiday celebration, adding a variety of candies and other sweet treats can truly elevate your festive dessert tray! If you’re still in the mood for some serious holiday baking after mastering these spritz cookies, I highly recommend trying out some of these delicious recipes. They make wonderful additions to your holiday spread and are perfect for gifting!
- Cinnamon Rock Candy
- White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge
- Bittersweet Chocolate Bourbon Balls
- Grinch Fudge (pictured above)
- Sugared Pecans
With these detailed tips, cherished tricks, and a dash of holiday spirit, you are now perfectly equipped to make the best spritz cookies ever! So gather your ingredients, chill that cookie press, and let’s get baking to create some unforgettable holiday memories and delicious treats. Happy baking!
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Print Recipe
Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies
Equipment
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MARCATO Atlas Press, Made in Italy, Includes 20 Cookie Disc Shapes
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Rubber Spatulas
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Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
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KitchenAid Hand Mixer
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Glass Batter Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg room temperature
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract can sub almond or vanilla
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Sprinkles or colored sugar for decorating
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets very well with Crisco. Place cookie press in the refrigerator.
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With a mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add in egg and extract and beat until mixed well.
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Sift together flour, salt and baking powder. Add flour mixture into the butter mixture in 3 parts, mixing well after each addition until just combined.
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Pack the dough into a chilled cookie press and press them onto the greased cookie sheets.
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Sprinkle with colored sugars or sprinkles immediately after pressing.
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Bake for 7 minutes (*see notes) or until they are just barely golden brown on the edges. Cool on wire racks.
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Store in an airtight container for freshness.
Notes
The original recipe says to bake 8-10 minutes. Ovens vary as you know, so watch them and see for yourself how long. I usually pull mine at 7 minutes, because by 8 minutes they are too brown.
Use whatever flavoring you like, we love the lemon! Plus, when I am making up my cookie trays, it’s nice to have a little something lemon on them, with all of the other flavors.
Great make-ahead recipe, they freeze really well!
Nutrition
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