How to Make Spritz Cookies in Just 30 Minutes

Have you ever craved the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of traditional spritz cookie recipe but thought you didn’t have enough time? The good news is that these delicate, decorative treats don’t require hours in the kitchen. With the right technique and a few simple ingredients, you can create beautiful, festive christmas spritz cookies in just half an hour. These buttery delights are perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or anytime you need a quick yet impressive dessert that brings smiles all around.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2/3 cup (133g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds wonderful depth)
• 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles, colored sugar, or chocolate chips for decoration (optional)

Substitution Tips: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a high-quality plant-based butter. If you’re out of vanilla extract, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of maple extract or increase the almond extract slightly.

Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (includes mixing dough and preparing cookie press)
• Baking Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
• Cooling Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes (when baking two sheets simultaneously)

This spritz cookie recipe saves approximately 20-30 minutes compared to traditional cut-out sugar cookies, which require rolling, cutting, and longer cooling times between steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Have your cookie sheets ready (ungreased works best for spritz cookies). Assemble your cookie press with your desired disc shape. Pro tip: Keep butter at room temperature for exactly 30 minutes before beginning for the perfect consistency.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. The mixture should lighten in color slightly. Don’t skimp on this step—proper creaming incorporates air into your spritz cookie recipe, creating the perfect texture.

Step 3: Add Remaining Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat until completely incorporated and smooth. If using food coloring, add a few drops now and mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined—overmixing will develop gluten and make tough cookies. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 5: Fill and Press Cookies

Fill your cookie press with dough. Press cookies directly onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart. Add sprinkles or decorations immediately if using—they adhere better to unbaked dough.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are just barely golden. Spritz cookies should not brown significantly. Baking two sheets at once can cut your total time in half.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 78 per cookie (based on 48 cookies per batch)
• Protein: 0.8g
• Carbohydrates: 8.5g
• Fat: 4.5g
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Calcium: 8mg
• Iron: 0.3mg

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Reduced Sugar Option: Decrease sugar to 1/2 cup without significantly affecting texture
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend
• Whole Grain Option: Replace half the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour
• Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 Tbsp water)

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delicate spritz cookies on a tiered platter for visual impact. They pair wonderfully with:

• Hot chocolate with a cinnamon stick
• Earl Grey or chai tea
• A small glass of dessert wine for adults
• Vanilla ice cream (use cookies as decorative garnish)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Dough Too Soft: If dough doesn’t hold shape, refrigerate for 10 minutes
• Dough Too Stiff: If cookies won’t press properly, add 1 teaspoon milk
• Cookies Not Releasing: Ensure baking sheets are completely ungreased and at room temperature
• Inconsistent Shapes: Apply even pressure when using the cookie press

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days
• Freezer Storage: Freeze baked cookies up to 3 months in sealed containers with parchment between layers
• Make-Ahead Option: Refrigerate dough up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before pressing
• Gift Packaging: Layer in tins with parchment paper for holiday gifting

Conclusion

This quick 30-minute spritz cookie recipe proves that elegant, delicious treats don’t require hours in the kitchen. The versatility of shapes and flavors makes these cookies perfect for any occasion, while their quick preparation time makes them accessible even on busy days. Try this recipe today and discover why spritz cookies have been beloved for generations!

FAQs

Can I make spritz cookies without a cookie press?
While a cookie press creates the signature shape, you can pipe the dough using a pastry bag with a large star tip for a similar effect.

Why aren’t my spritz cookies holding their shape?
The most common reason is dough temperature. If too warm, refrigerate briefly; if too cold, let it warm slightly at room temperature.

Can I freeze the raw dough for later use?
Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before pressing.

How do I know when spritz cookies are done baking?
Look for a slight golden color on the edges only—these cookies should remain pale for the best texture and flavor.

Can I add different flavors to the basic spritz cookie recipe?
Absolutely! Try adding 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest, orange extract, or even ground cardamom for unique flavor variations.