If you’re longing for a classic and charming treat that instantly brings warmth and cheer to any table, Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies are exactly what you need. These delicate, golden cookies melt in your mouth with every bite, boasting a rich buttery flavor and just the right hint of almond and vanilla. Whether you’re making them for a festive holiday gathering or simply to celebrate the everyday, their whimsical shapes and sparkly decorations add a playful touch. Not only are they fun to make, but you’ll find they’re loved by kids and adults alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this recipe delivers incredible flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Every item here is a key player in what makes these cookies so special. Let’s break it down, ingredient by ingredient:
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The heart of these cookies—the rich, creamy base guarantees their signature tenderness and taste.
- Granulated Sugar (2/3 cup): Provides sweetness and helps give the cookies their golden color and lightly crisp edges.
- Egg (1 large): Adds structure and just enough richness so the cookies hold their adorable shapes.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Essential for warmth and depth; pure vanilla really shines here.
- Almond Extract (1/2 teaspoon): A little goes a long way to deliver that distinctly Italian flavor you’ll recognize instantly.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): Forms the body of the dough and ensures the cookies are beautifully tender.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Elevates the flavors and balances the sweetness so nothing overpowers.
- Optional Sprinkles or Colored Sugar for Decorating: Don’t skip this step—these sparkly toppings are what make Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies extra special and festive!
How to Make Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, making sure it’s fully up to temperature before your cookies go in. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this not only ensures easy cleanup but also prevents sticking without the need for greasing (key for getting the pressed cookie shapes just right!).
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. This step is all about infusing air into your dough, so take your time—at least 2-3 minutes—using a hand mixer or stand mixer for the best results.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Crack in your egg and mix it in thoroughly. Then add both the vanilla and almond extracts, blending until everything is nicely combined. At this stage, the dough should smell absolutely heavenly with those classic Buttery Italian Spritz Cookie notes shining through.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your butter mixture, mixing just until a soft, smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough—stop mixing as soon as there’s no dry flour left.
Step 5: Press and Decorate Cookies
Spoon the dough into your cookie press, fitted with your favorite decorative disc. Press the dough directly onto the cool, lined baking sheets, spacing the cookies about an inch apart. Sprinkle each one with colored sugar or festive sprinkles—you can even tint the dough with gel food coloring if you want to get creative.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are barely golden. Don’t overbake; part of the magic of Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies is their melt-in-your-mouth texture. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma is irresistible!
How to Serve Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies
Garnishes
These cookies look stunning with just a dusting of colored sugar, but you can jazz them up even further with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a shake of sparkling sanding sugar. A few candied cherries or silver dragées can make the presentation especially festive for holidays or special occasions.
Side Dishes
Nothing complements these delicate cookies better than a hot cup of espresso or cappuccino. For a party, pair them with a platter of other Italian favorites—think biscotti, amaretti, or even a scoop of gelato for a dreamy dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Channel your inner Italian nonna by arranging Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies on a vintage platter lined with a lacy doily. For gift-giving, stack them in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, or layer them in a decorative tin to share the joy (and the irresistible buttery aroma) with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their delightful texture for up to a week, making them ideal for both planned events and spontaneous snacking.
Freezing
Good news for advance planners: these cookies freeze wonderfully! Once completely cooled, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy whenever you crave a taste of home.
Reheating
Although Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, you can revive their just-baked aroma by warming them ever so slightly in a low oven (300°F for 2-3 minutes). Just be careful—they’re delicate!
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the dough up to two days ahead, cover it well, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature for easier pressing when you’re ready to bake.
Why won’t my dough stick to the baking sheet?
If your baking sheet is warm, greasy, or over-lined, the cookie dough may not adhere properly. Make sure your sheets are clean, cool, and only lined with parchment as directed for best results.
Can I use a piping bag instead of a cookie press?
While a cookie press gives those classic shapes, you can pipe the dough with a sturdy piping bag and a large star tip. The dough is a bit thick, so use some elbow grease or slightly soften if needed.
Are there variations for flavor?
Definitely! Try swapping out the almond extract for lemon or orange for a citrusy twist, or adding a touch of espresso powder for an adult flavor kick. Just don’t skip the butter—it’s essential!
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the batch with no adjustments necessary to baking time—just make sure you have plenty of baking sheets on hand, because once you taste these, you’ll wish you made more!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies highly enough—they’re playful, nostalgic, and undeniably delicious. Gather your loved ones, dust off that cookie press, and create a batch (or two) to make any occasion a little sweeter. I hope you’ll give this cherished recipe a try and let the irresistible aroma fill your kitchen!
Print
Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 48 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. With a rich buttery flavor and a hint of almond, these cookies are easy to make and fun to decorate. They make a great addition to holiday cookie trays or a sweet snack any time of year.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional for Decorating:
- Sprinkles or colored sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Use Cookie Press: Transfer the dough to a cookie press fitted with your desired disc shape. Press cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Decorate and Bake: Decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar if desired. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure your baking sheets are cool and ungreased for best results.
- Dough can be tinted with gel food coloring for festive variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
