Grandma’s Classic Spritz Cookies Recipe: Sweet Nostalgia Bites

Sweet memories of holiday baking come flooding back with this classic old fashioned spritz cookies recipe that transforms simple ingredients into delightful treats.

German bakers perfected these buttery, delicate cookies generations ago.

Crisp and light, they melt perfectly on your tongue with a subtle richness.

The delicate press of a cookie mold creates beautiful shapes that make these treats as lovely to look at as they are to eat.

Butter, sugar, and flour combine into a simple dough that yields elegant results.

Every bite carries a whisper of nostalgia and comfort.

Dive into this cherished recipe and recreate a sweet tradition that has delighted families for decades.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Calories: 115 kcal

Servings: 23

What You Need For Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create the classic tender texture of spritz cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate, crisp cookie structure.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the soft, tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Delivers warm, aromatic flavor that complements the butter perfectly.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the foundational structure and gives spritz cookies their signature crumbly texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookie.

• Colored Sugar: Adds festive sparkle and extra crunch to the finished spritz cookies.
• Sprinkles: Brings playful color and whimsical touch to holiday or special occasion cookies.
• Maraschino Cherries: Provides a bright, sweet accent and decorative element for classic spritz cookie presentation.

Handy Tools For Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies

• Cookie Press: Essential tool for shaping perfect spritz cookies with intricate designs.
• Baking Sheets: Ungreased sheets help cookies hold their shape when pressed.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients smoothly and thoroughly.
• Electric Mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar to light, fluffy consistency.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure cookie success.
• Spatula: Great for scraping bowl and transferring dough to cookie press.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy.

How To Make Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Easily

• Cookie Press Setup

Grab your trusty cookie press and make sure it’s clean and ready for action. The ungreased baking sheet is key for creating perfect spritz shapes that stick just right.

• Dough Preparation

Mix your cookie ingredients until they form a smooth, consistent texture that will glide effortlessly through the cookie press. The dough should feel soft but not too sticky.

• Pressing Technique

Position the cookie press directly on the cool baking sheet. With a confident, steady motion, press down and release to create beautiful, intricate cookie shapes. Each press should give you a perfect little cookie.

• Decorative Touches

Sprinkle some colorful sugar or festive sprinkles on top of your cookies before baking. This adds a magical, homemade touch that makes these treats extra special.

• Baking Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Watch carefully as the edges turn a delicate golden brown, which signals they’re ready to be transformed into delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treats.

• Cooling and Enjoying

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few moments. Transfer to a cooling rack where they’ll become crisp and delicate, ready to be enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or shared with loved ones.

Sweet Tips To Change Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies

• Cookie Press Magic: Use a clean, dry cookie press for perfectly shaped spritz cookies every time. Cold butter works best, so take it out of the refrigerator just 10-15 minutes before mixing.
• Texture Perfection: Avoid overworking the dough – mix just until ingredients combine to keep cookies tender and delicate. Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create a consistent cookie texture.
• Decorative Twists: Sprinkle colored sugar or finely chopped nuts on cookies before baking for extra crunch and visual appeal. Experiment with different press discs to create unique shapes like flowers, stars, or holiday designs.
• Diet-Friendly Adaptations: For gluten-free versions, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Dairy-free bakers can replace butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine for similar rich flavor and texture. Reduce sugar by using a sugar substitute or cutting the amount by one-third for a less sweet treat.

Serve Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies With Charm

• Cookie Plate Presentation: Arrange these delicate spritz cookies on a beautiful ceramic platter, dusted lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
• Holiday Gift Packaging: Pack these buttery cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, perfect for sharing as homemade gifts during Christmas or family gatherings.
• Tea Time Companion: Serve alongside a warm cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea, creating a delightful afternoon treat that pairs wonderfully with the cookie's subtle sweetness.
• Dessert Decoration: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies or sprinkle crushed candy canes for a festive and decorative finish that adds extra flavor and visual appeal.

How To Keep Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Fresh

• Smart Cookie Storage: Seal cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days, keeping them crisp and delightful.
• Fresh Freezing Technique: Layer spritz cookies between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, where they'll stay delicious for 3 months without losing texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days before baking, storing it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator to maintain optimal flavor and consistency.
• Quick Cool-Down Strategy: Allow baked spritz cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer carefully to a wire rack, preventing potential cracking or breaking during movement.

Crispy Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Classic Spritz cookies intertwine buttery richness with delicate German baking traditions. Crisp edges and tender centers make these holiday treats memorable for festive celebrations and family gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (225 g) or 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
• ¼ tsp salt
• Colored sugar
• Sprinkles
• Nonpareils

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) with the rack positioned centrally for optimal heat distribution.
2. Equipment Setup: Grab an ungreased baking sheet and attach the desired decorative disk to the cookie press, ensuring a clean and precise cookie shape.
3. Dough Loading: Fill the cookie press completely with prepared dough, eliminating any potential air pockets and ensuring smooth cookie formation.
4. Cookie Shaping: Position the press perpendicular to the baking sheet, applying consistent pressure to create uniform cookie shapes spaced approximately 1 inch apart.
5. Pressing Technique: Continue pressing cookies across the baking sheet, rotating disk shapes periodically to create visual variety and maximize dough usage.
6. Baking Process: Slide the filled baking sheet into the preheated oven, monitoring closely to achieve a delicate golden edge without over-browning.
7. Cooling Protocol: Once baked (8-10 minutes), allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer carefully to a wire cooling rack using a thin spatula.
8. Storage Method: After complete cooling, preserve the spritz cookies’ crisp texture by storing in an airtight container, maintaining their delicate nature and freshness.

Notes

• Chill Butter Strategically: Use butter at cool room temperature, not too soft or hard, to achieve perfect dough consistency for smooth cookie press performance.
• Manage Dough Temperature: Work quickly when filling the press, keeping dough chilled to prevent sticking and maintain crisp cookie shapes.
• Master Press Technique: Apply steady, consistent pressure when pressing cookies, holding the press perpendicular to avoid misshapen or uneven cookies.
• Customize Cookie Variations: Experiment with food coloring, sprinkles, or extract flavors like almond or vanilla to personalize traditional spritz cookies.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 23
• Calories: 115
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg