If you’re looking for a cookie that feels like a sweet little hug from your kitchen, this Almond Spritz Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how these cookies come out — delicate, buttery, with that unmistakable almond aroma that fills the room and makes you want to bake them again and again. Whether it’s for a holiday party, a casual tea, or just because, these cookies are charmingly crisp, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and just so darn fun to make. Keep reading, and I’ll share all my tips to help you nail these spritz cookies perfectly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Buttery and Light: These cookies have a wonderful tender crumb that almost melts away, thanks to the generous butter and delicate dough.
- Almond Flavor That Pops: The almond extract gives just the right amount of nutty aroma without overwhelming the cookie.
- Fun and Easy to Make: Using a cookie press makes shaping these cookies a breeze and a total joy, even for beginners.
- Perfect for Gifting: Their festive look with sprinkles and their sweet taste make them excellent edible gifts that everyone will appreciate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Almond Spritz Cookies Recipe plays its part perfectly. From the richness of real butter to the subtle salty balance, you’ll love how simple pantry staples come together for serious cookie magic. Remember, good quality almond extract really boosts the flavor, so don’t skimp on that!
- Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter blends better and gives that signature creamy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness and helps with a tender crumb.
- Egg Yolk: Brings richness without making the dough too wet or sticky.
- Pure Almond Extract: This is the star that gives the cookie its lovely almond aroma – I always use pure, not imitation.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides just the right structure to hold the shape without being tough.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all those delicious flavors.
Variations
I like to keep this Almond Spritz Cookies Recipe pretty classic, but I’ve definitely played around with flavors and decorations to keep things interesting. It’s all about making it your own—and really, that’s the fun of spritz cookies!
- Flavor Swaps: Sometimes I add a drop of vanilla or orange extract alongside almond to create a more complex flavor profile that really surprises guests.
- Decorative Touches: My family goes crazy for colored sugar sprinkles or sanding sugar on top before baking—it gives a festive sparkle that’s perfect for holidays.
- Gluten-Free Version: I’ve substituted all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend with great results—just be sure to chill dough a bit longer if it feels too soft.
How to Make Almond Spritz Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy
This step sets the foundation for lightness in your cookies. Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat your softened butter with sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy—think about 2 to 3 minutes. I like to scrape down the sides occasionally to make sure everything is evenly combined. This process traps air that helps give your cookies that wonderful tender texture.
Step 2: Add the Egg Yolk and Almond Extract
Next, add that single egg yolk and your pure almond extract. Beat on medium speed until fully combined. This is where the dough starts smelling heavenly, and trust me, you’ll want to sneak a sniff or two. Don’t worry about any slight color change—this is normal.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour and Salt
Sift your flour and salt together to avoid clumps, then slowly add this to the mixing bowl on low speed. Mix just until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft and easy to handle, not sticky or crumbly. If it feels a bit too loose, a quick chill in the fridge helps firm it up. This is the moment to stop mixing—overdoing it will make the cookies tough.
Step 4: Press and Shape the Cookies
Fill your cookie press with the dough, then line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Hold the press perpendicular to the sheet and squeeze out your cookie shapes, leaving about 1 to 2 inches between each cookie since they don’t spread much. This part is sooo satisfying for me—I love watching those cute little shapes emerge! Feel free to add sprinkles or colored sugar on top right after pressing, so they stick during baking.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Chill the cookies in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the cookies hold their shape. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes—the edges should just start turning golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here really pays off for texture and flavor!
Pro Tips for Making Almond Spritz Cookies Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps the butter cream better with sugar and creates a smoother dough texture.
- Don’t Overmix Flour: Adding your flour slowly and mixing just until combined keeps the cookies tender, not tough.
- Chill Before Baking: Chilling the shaped cookies ensures they don’t lose their crisp edges and pretty shapes in the oven.
- Experiment with Decorations: Try different sprinkles or nuts, but add them before baking so they stick well.
How to Serve Almond Spritz Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually reach for classic colored sugar sprinkles or tiny nonpareils to give these cookies a festive, cheerful look. Sometimes, I dust a little powdered sugar over the cooled cookies for an elegant winter touch. The almond flavor is so lovely on its own that I tend not to overpower it with frosting or dipping—just simple, pretty embellishments work best.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. For a holiday spread, I like serving them alongside a cheese board or fresh fruit platters. Their crispiness offers a nice contrast to softer desserts or creamy dips.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I love arranging spritz cookies on a tiered stand, mixing plain and decorated shapes for visual appeal. Wrapping them in clear cellophane tied with a festive ribbon makes a charming gift. Another idea I tried was sandwiching two cookies with a light almond buttercream in between—it’s a hit every time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover almond spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly crisp for up to a week. If they start to lose their crunch, a quick minute in the oven or toaster oven at low heat brings them back to life nicely.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either after baking or as dough discs ready to press and bake. For baked cookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag—good for up to 3 months. When I bake from frozen dough, I just pop the discs in the cookie press and bake as usual, adding a minute or two to baking time if needed.
Reheating
If you want to freshen up cookies that have been stored or frozen, heating them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes works wonders. This warms them through without drying them out and revives that lovely crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour in this Almond Spritz Cookies Recipe?
Almond flour has a different texture and moisture content than all-purpose flour, so substituting it directly will change the dough’s consistency and the cookie’s structure. You might end up with a more crumbly or softer cookie. If you want to experiment, consider using a mix of almond flour with all-purpose flour or a gluten-free baking blend formulated for cookies.
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My cookies spread out too much or lose their shape, what can I do?
This usually happens if the dough is too warm or if the cookies aren’t chilled before baking. Try chilling shaped cookies in the fridge or freezer for 10–15 minutes before baking. Also, ensure you’re using the right amount of flour and not overmixing the dough, which can change its texture.
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Can I make this recipe without a cookie press?
While the cookie press makes shaping spritz cookies easy, you can pipe the dough using a piping bag fitted with decorative tips. Alternatively, roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly for a simple cookie shape. The almond flavor will still shine through beautifully!
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How long do Almond Spritz Cookies keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and crisp for up to one week. Beyond that, they can dry out but can be revived by warming slightly in the oven.
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What can I substitute for almond extract if I don’t have any?
If almond extract isn’t on hand, you can use vanilla extract for a different but still delicious flavor. Another option is to add finely chopped toasted almonds to the dough to boost the nutty taste, although the aromatic punch won’t be quite the same.
Final Thoughts
This Almond Spritz Cookies Recipe has become one of my go-to treats for every occasion because it’s simple yet so special. I love how the almond extract gives such a lovely twist on traditional butter cookies, making them feel a little more grown-up and fancy but without any fuss. You’ll enjoy how quickly these come together, how gorgeous they look with just a sprinkle of color, and how addictive they are to eat! Give them a try—you might just find yourself making these sweet gems year-round, just like I do.
Print
Almond Spritz Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 22 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Almond Spritz Cookies are delicate, buttery cookies infused with pure almond extract and shaped using a cookie press. These light and festive cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations, offering a tender texture with a subtle almond flavor. Decorate them with sprinkles or colored sugars for a charming presentation that’s ideal for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 oz unsalted butter (1 stick, 113 g), room temperature
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (67 g)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 1 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (137 g)
- A large pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl fitted with a whisk attachment, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps to incorporate air, giving the cookies a tender texture.
- Add Egg Yolk and Almond Extract: Add the egg yolk and pure almond extract to the creamed mixture and beat until all ingredients are fully combined, ensuring a smooth, homogeneous dough base.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour and combine it with the pinch of salt in a small bowl to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on the lowest speed, gradually add the flour-salt mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until all flour is fully incorporated and the dough becomes soft and easy to handle.
- Prepare Cookie Press and Baking Sheets: Fill your cookie press with the prepared dough. Line two baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape Cookies: Hold the cookie press perpendicular to the baking sheet and press the dough out into decorative shapes, spacing each cookie about 1 to 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Add Decorations and Chill: Sprinkle your chosen decorations such as sprinkles or colored sugars over the cookies. Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator or freezer to chill the cookies while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden, ensuring a crisp exterior but tender interior.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- These Almond Spritz Cookies are especially festive with holiday sprinkles and make charming edible gifts for coworkers and neighbors.
- The dough is soft and can be refrigerated or frozen for convenience before shaping.
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for proper creaming and cookie texture.
- Use a cookie press to create decorative and uniform shapes; if unavailable, you can pipe the dough with a pastry bag and star tip.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 15 g
- Calories: 72
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
