Try These Crispy Italian Spritz Cookies Recipe: Golden Buttery Bites!

Delicate and buttery spritz cookies have a special place in holiday baking traditions.

These classic italian spritz cookies melt softly on your tongue with a delightful crunch.

Generations have cherished this simple yet elegant treat passed down through family kitchens.

Each golden-edged cookie brings a whisper of sweetness and nostalgia to the table.

The light, crisp texture combines perfectly with rich butter and subtle vanilla notes.

Baking these cookies fills your kitchen with warmth and irresistible aromas.

Prepare to create a batch that will have everyone asking for seconds and the recipe.

Tips for Classic Shapes and Flavors in Spritz Cookies

• Ensure butter is at room temperature but not too soft to achieve that classic light, melt-in-your-mouth Spritz cookie texture.
• Prepare dough in advance and refrigerate up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 weeks, allowing for convenient batch baking.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1: 1 baking flour blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Experiment with different extract combinations like orange, lemon, or rum extract to create unique flavor profiles that complement the buttery base.
• Try different sprinkle colors or swap with crushed nuts, colored sugar, or chocolate drizzle to match seasonal themes or personal preferences.

Serve These Cookies for Christmas or Tea Time

• Festive Family Gathering: Arrange these delicate cookies on a beautiful holiday platter with other classic Italian treats like biscotti and pizzelle to create a stunning dessert display.
• Sweet Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these buttery spritz cookies with a steaming cup of earl grey tea or smooth cappuccino for a delightful mid-afternoon indulgence that melts in your mouth.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Package these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, making them a charming homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or holiday hosts who appreciate delicate, traditional sweets.
• Nostalgic Dessert Plate: Create a vintage-inspired cookie tray featuring these spritz cookies alongside classic shortbread and delicate sugar cookies to evoke warm memories of family gatherings and holiday traditions.

Store Spritz Cookies in Tins to Keep Them Crisp

• Keeping Cookies Fresh and Delightful
• Store cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 7 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for maximum flavor and crispness.
• Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. This technique helps develop richer flavors and makes party prep a breeze.
• Add a small piece of bread to the storage container to keep cookies soft and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly. Replace the bread every couple of days to maintain optimal freshness.

FAQs

• What is a cookie press and do I really need one?

A cookie press is a special kitchen tool that helps shape cookie dough into intricate designs. While not absolutely essential, it’s the traditional way to make authentic Spritz cookies and creates beautiful, uniform shapes that are hard to achieve by hand.

• Can I make these cookies if I'm not experienced in baking?

Absolutely! Spritz cookies are surprisingly simple to make. Even beginner bakers can create these delicate, buttery cookies with just a few basic ingredients and some practice with the cookie press.

The name “Spritz” comes from the German word “spritzen,” which means “to squirt” – referring to how the dough is pressed or “squirted” through the cookie press to create unique shapes. These cookies originated in Germany and became popular in Italian and American baking traditions.

• How can I prevent my cookies from breaking when I remove them from the baking sheet?

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This allows them to firm up slightly, making them less fragile. Use a thin, flexible spatula to carefully transfer them to a wire rack once they’ve set a bit.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 133 kcal

Servings: 24

Buttery Italian Spritz Cookie Ingredient Guide

• Butter: Creamy foundation that gives rich, mellow taste and tender texture to cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create crisp, golden edges.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth and classic cookie flavor.
• Almond Extract: Introduces subtle nutty undertone for sophisticated taste profile.

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential binding element that creates cookie's delicate structure.
• Baking Powder: Lightweight leavening agent ensuring cookies rise and maintain airy texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Colored Sprinkles: Adds playful visual appeal and festive touch to classic cookie design.
• Nonpareils: Provides delicate, colorful embellishment with tiny round decorative elements.

Tools for Piping Perfect Italian Spritz Cookies

• Cookie Press: Essential tool for creating traditional spritz cookie shapes with intricate designs.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining butter, sugar, and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer: Helps beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, ensuring smooth dough consistency.
• Separate Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Whisk: Great for evenly combining dry ingredients without lumps.
• Baking Sheets: Necessary for baking cookies with even heat distribution.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and maintain their crisp texture.
• Spatula: Useful for transferring and handling delicate cookies.

Bake Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and grab two baking sheets, lining them with parchment paper for a smooth cookie adventure.

• Whip the Creamy Base

Grab your mixer and blend butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud of deliciousness. Toss in egg and extracts, mixing until everything looks perfectly combined.

• Create the Cookie Dough

Gently fold dry ingredients into the buttery mixture, stirring until a soft, silky dough emerges. The goal is a texture that’s smooth but not sticky.

• Shape Your Spritz Delights

Load your cookie press with the dough and start crafting beautiful cookie shapes onto the prepared sheets. If you’re without a press, roll tiny dough balls and flatten them with a fork. Sprinkle some colorful on top for extra fun.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for those edges turning a gorgeous light golden brown. Once done, let cookies rest briefly on the sheets before transferring to a cooling rack.

• Savor the Moment

After cookies cool completely, they’re ready to munch! Pair with coffee or tea and enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth Italian treats that’ll make everyone smile.

Crispy Italian Spritz Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Delightful Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies bring classic Italian bakery charm straight to home kitchens. Crisp, golden edges and delicate almond notes promise a sweet escape that connects bakers with traditional Mediterranean pastry craftsmanship.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ¼ cups (280 g / 9.9 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (225 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g / 5.3 oz) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• Colored sprinkles
• Melted chocolate

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven racks centrally and preheat to 350F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper for seamless cookie transfer.
2. Butter Mixture: Whip softened butter and sugar until light and voluminous, creating a pale, airy foundation for the delicate spritz cookies.
3. Liquid Integration: Blend egg, vanilla, and almond extracts into the butter mixture, whisking until a smooth, uniform liquid base develops.
4. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, eliminating potential lumps and ensuring comprehensive ingredient distribution.
5. Dough Formation: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, creating a cohesive dough that maintains structural integrity without excessive moisture.
6. Cookie Pressing: Load cookie press with dough, selecting an intricate design plate. Apply consistent pressure to create uniform shapes directly onto prepared baking sheets, garnishing with sprinkles or nonpareils for visual excitement.
7. Baking Process: Place cookies in preheated oven, rotating midway to guarantee even golden-brown coloration. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges display a delicate, warm hue.
8. Cooling and Serving: Allow cookies to rest briefly on baking sheets, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Arrange on a serving platter, ready to complement afternoon tea or coffee with their buttery elegance.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for perfect cookie texture and smooth mixing.
• Press Technique Perfection: Apply consistent, even pressure when using the cookie press to create uniform shapes and prevent dough breakage.
• Sprinkle Strategically: Add decorative sprinkles immediately after piping cookies to help them adhere before baking.
• Cool Carefully: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes after removing from the oven to prevent breaking during transfer.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 164
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 25 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg