The word ‘spritz’ comes from the German word spritzen which means – ‘to squirt’ which refers to the cookie dough squirting out of the cookie press. For a long time, I presumed spritz cookies were one of the most difficult cookies to make because my first few attempts back in college with a cookie press were a huge disaster. And of course, my friends made me feel better by saying – it’s not you, the cookie press isn’t working. Since then I’ve only used the piping bag and star tip just like mom. Fast forward a few years later, I’m using the same recipe but with a new cookie press. Guess what? Perfect cookies. Turns out IT WAS the cookie press. Now I have the best spritz recipe for you. This one has been with me for many years and like my macaron recipes, I use this as my base recipe to create new variations. These Christmas spritz cookies are a wonderful tradition in our home. These buttery shortbread-based cookies are sure to brighten your holiday cookies platter. Today, I share with you my no-fail recipe and method.
How to make spritz cookies
Preheat the oven at 356°F / 180°C/ Gas Mark 4 Dry ingredients – In a large bowl add the flour, salt, spice, and cornstarch – Stir to combine and set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on medium speed, cream butter, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.Pro tip – For cookies, butter should be at room temperature about 60 F to 70 F, so they don’t spread when baking. Next, add the egg followed by the vanilla and almond extract. Scrape the bowl and mix again until creamy. Then, add the flour mixture – the consistency of this dough is softer compared to other cookies. That is so you can press it easily from the cookie press.Pro tip – do not chill the cookie dough or you will not be able to use the press comfortably and you might even break the cookie press.
Divide the dough into 3 or 4 portions. You can color the dough with gel food color at this time.Pro tip – you can also cover the dough with plastic wrap and keep it n the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw before you press the cookies. Fill the dough into the cookie press with a Christmas disc. Every cookie press is different so make sure to read the instructions well and set the press as per directions.Pro tip – If you don’t have a cookie press – place the cookie dough into a piping bag with a medium star tip such as the 824. Pipe swirls or kisses onto a baking tray or parchment-lined baking tray.
Press cookies directly on the ungreased baking sheet (no parchment paper). Hold the cookie press at a right angle (straight up) to the baking tray, press down, hold, then lift up. If you have any points press them down with a wet finger.Pro tip – The cookies stick to the parchment paper or silicone mat. The best way to press the cookies out is to do it directly on the ungreased cookie sheet. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes. These do bake quickly so keep a close eye on them. You need to take them out as soon as you see the edges get a slight color.Pro tip – you can sprinkle some sanding sugar or sprinkles on the cookies before baking too
Cool on the baking tray for just 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.Pro tip – the cookies continue to bake on the hot baking tray and they release easily when you let them cool on the baking tray. The cookies are delicious on their own without any frosting. But you can certainly decorate them with melted chocolate and sprinkles. For the sugar glaze – combine the powdered sugar and water until you have a smooth pouring consistency. Color and transfer to piping bags. Decorate as desired (watch the video for ideas) Let the frosting or glaze dry before you stack them away otherwise they will stick to each other.
Frequently asked questions
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It is not the cheapest on the market but if you look at the video below you will see it is the easiest cookie press I’ve ever owned. (also, if you buy a cookie press, you probably will not have to buy one again soon) The other two recommended and affordable cookie presses are these models by OXO and Wilton.
