If you love classic Italian desserts, then Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies should be on your holiday baking list. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a staple in many Italian households, especially around Christmas. With their delicate texture and sweet buttery flavor, they are perfect for any occasion, from festive parties to family gatherings. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make these traditional Italian cookies at home with ease. Get ready to indulge in one of the most delicious cookies you’ll ever make!
Ingredients for Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies
To make these delicious Italian cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional but highly recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Colored sprinkles (for garnish, optional)
Instructions for Making Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture and continue to beat until well combined.
2. Add Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
3. Shape the Cookies:
- Fill a cookie press with the dough. A cookie press is the key to getting the signature Spritz cookie shape. Press the dough onto the prepared baking sheets in various designs such as wreaths, stars, or traditional S-shaped spirals.
- If you don’t have a cookie press, you can also roll the dough into small balls and flatten them with a fork or your fingers, but the cookie press will give the most authentic result.
- Decorate with colored sprinkles or nonpareils for a festive touch.
4. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as they bake quickly.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the cookies are completely cool, they’re ready to be served! These Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee and make a wonderful addition to any holiday cookie tray.
Why You’ll Love Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies
- Easy to Make: These cookies are quick to prepare and don’t require complicated ingredients or equipment. A cookie press is helpful, but not essential.
- Buttery Flavor: The combination of butter, vanilla, and almond extract creates a rich, comforting flavor that is perfect for any holiday season or special occasion.
- Versatile: You can customize the shape and decoration of these cookies to suit any holiday or theme. Add colored sugar, sprinkle with nonpareils, or top with a tiny piece of chocolate for a personalized touch.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack them up in a festive tin or box, and you’ve got the ideal homemade gift for friends, family, or neighbors.
Tips for Perfect Italian Spritz Cookies
- Cookie Press Tips: When using a cookie press, ensure the dough is not too soft or too stiff. If the dough is too soft, chill it for a few minutes before pressing. If it’s too stiff, you can add a tiny bit of milk to loosen it up.
- Storage: These cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container. They also freeze well, so you can make them in advance for the holidays.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts such as lemon, orange, or hazelnut to give the cookies a unique twist.
Conclusion
Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies are a delightful treat that embodies the charm of traditional Italian baking. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking for a sweet snack to enjoy with family, these cookies are sure to impress. Their light, buttery texture combined with festive sprinkles makes them a standout addition to your dessert repertoire.
Serving and Storage Tips for Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies
Serving Tips:
- Perfect Pairings: Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies are ideal for pairing with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa. Their delicate, buttery flavor complements beverages perfectly.
- Cookie Platters: Arrange the cookies on a festive cookie platter for a holiday gathering or a special occasion. Their vibrant colors and beautiful shapes make them a showstopper on any dessert table.
- Gift-Worthy: These cookies make great gifts. Place them in a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade present.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They will stay fresh and maintain their delicate texture.
- Freezing: If you want to make these cookies in advance, they freeze beautifully. Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Avoid Sticking: To prevent the cookies from sticking together during storage, use parchment paper or wax paper between layers of cookies in the container.
With these serving and storage tips, your Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies will remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible, ensuring you can enjoy them throughout the season!
1. Can I make Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies without a cookie press? Yes, if you don’t have a cookie press, you can still make these cookies by rolling the dough into small balls and gently pressing them down with a fork or your fingers to flatten them. While the signature shape might not be as precise, the cookies will still be delicious!
2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Absolutely! These cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature before serving.
3. How do I get the perfect texture for my Spritz Cookies? For the best texture, make sure the butter is softened but not too melty. If the dough is too soft, chill it for a few minutes before pressing. If the dough is too stiff, you can add a tiny bit of milk to loosen it up slightly.
4. Can I customize the flavor of Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies? Yes! You can experiment with different extracts, such as lemon, orange, or hazelnut, to add unique flavors to the cookies. Just substitute the almond extract with your preferred extract for a personalized twist.
Print
Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 40–50 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian, Holiday
Description
Buttery Italian spritz cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for holidays or special occasions. These classic cookies are made with simple ingredients, piped into festive shapes, and often topped with colorful sprinkles or chocolate drizzles.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For decoration:
- Colored sprinkles
- Melted chocolate (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Cream the butter and sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the wet ingredients:
- Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Fill the cookie press or piping bag:
- Transfer the dough to a cookie press fitted with your favorite shape disk, or use a piping bag with a star tip to create festive shapes directly onto the baking sheets.
- Decorate:
- Add sprinkles or colored sugar to the cookies before baking, if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional chocolate drizzle:
- Once cooled, drizzle or dip the cookies in melted chocolate and let them set on parchment paper.
Notes
- For best results, use room-temperature butter for easy mixing and smooth cookie shapes.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Experiment with different extracts, like lemon or orange, for a citrus twist.