If you have a soft spot for buttery, tender cookies that melt in your mouth and bring back childhood memories, you’re going to adore this Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats combine the richness of butter with a hint of vanilla and almond, creating a delicate yet flavorful cookie that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re decorating them with vibrant sprinkles or dipping them in chocolate, these classic Italian spritz cookies are simple to make, irresistibly delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies Recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect cookie texture and taste. From the creamy butter adding richness to the subtle almond extract giving a special note, every item is essential and easy to find in your kitchen.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and the perfect crumb.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and the signature buttery flavor.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies just right without overpowering.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and gives the cookies a tender texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional): A subtle nutty hint that elevates the cookie to authentic Italian style.
- 2 tbsp milk: Helps adjust dough consistency for piping ease.
- Colored sprinkles or chocolate for decorating: Adds fun and visual appeal to your finished cookies.
How to Make Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple prep step sets you up for success from the very beginning.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. This process, which usually takes 3 to 4 minutes, is important because it incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies wonderfully light and tender.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract if you’re using it. These ingredients blend together to create a fragrant, flavorful base that distinguishes this spritz cookie from your everyday cookie.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour into your wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms. If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a smooth, pipeable consistency.
Step 5: Pipe the Cookie Shapes
Fit a piping bag with a large star tip and fill it with your dough. Now the fun begins! Pipe shapes such as rosettes, stars, or swirls onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave some space between each cookie because they will spread slightly while baking.
Step 6: Decorate Before Baking
Sprinkle your cookies with colorful sprinkles or leave them plain; either way works beautifully. This step lets those pretty decorations stick perfectly after baking.
Step 7: Bake Until Lightly Golden
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes in your preheated oven. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a delicate golden shade—avoid overbaking to keep them tender.
Step 8: Cool and Finalize Decorations
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets or a wire rack. Once cooled, you can add more decorations if you like, such as a drizzle of melted chocolate or extra sprinkles, making each cookie uniquely festive.
How to Serve Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a final flourish to your spritz cookies enhances their appeal and flavor. Classic colored sugar crystals or holiday-themed sprinkles are perfect, but for an elegant twist, try drizzling them with dark or white chocolate. This extra step adds texture and a hint of indulgence that elevates the experience.
Side Dishes
These cookies are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of drinks and snacks. Serve them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up, or offer them as a sweet companion to a glass of champagne or dessert wine during special celebrations.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or wrap up a gift basket, arrange your Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter or tiered tray. You can also pack them into cellophane bags tied with ribbons for charming homemade gifts that showcase your baking love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their tender texture. They stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them an excellent make-ahead treat for holidays or gatherings.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies before or after baking. If freezing the raw dough, pipe shapes onto a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. For baked cookies, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Spritz cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to warm them up slightly, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This will revive the buttery aroma and soften them just enough without overbaking.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep an eye on the dough’s consistency and add milk gradually to maintain pipeability.
Is almond extract necessary?
Almond extract is optional but highly recommended. It adds a lovely subtle flavor that makes this Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies Recipe truly authentic, but if you don’t have it on hand, vanilla extract alone will still yield delicious results.
Can I use a different decorating method?
Definitely! Beyond sprinkles and chocolate drizzles, you can dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate, dust them lightly with powdered sugar, or even sandwich two cookies with a layer of jam for a fun twist.
Why is my dough too crumbly?
If your dough breaks apart when piping, it likely needs a bit more moisture. Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together smoothly but is still thick enough to hold its shape.
How long will these cookies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these spritz cookies will stay fresh and flavorful for about one week at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is the best option to maintain their buttery goodness.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about making these Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies Recipe from scratch. The buttery aroma filling your kitchen and the joy of piping those beautiful shapes are experiences worth sharing. Whether for a festive occasion or a sweet everyday treat, give this recipe a whirl, and you might just discover your new favorite cookie tradition.
Print
Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Buttery Italian Spritz Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for any occasion. With a soft buttery base flavored with vanilla and a hint of almond extract, these cookies are piped into beautiful shapes and baked to a light golden perfection. They can be decorated with colorful sprinkles or dipped in rich melted chocolate, adding a festive touch to every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 tbsp milk
Decorations
- Colored sprinkles or chocolate for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes, ensuring a smooth base for your dough.
- Incorporate eggs and extracts. Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract until fully combined for a fragrant flavor profile.
- Add flour and milk. Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour and mix until the dough starts to form. If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, add the milk one tablespoon at a time to achieve the right consistency.
- Pipe the dough. Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheets forming rosettes, stars, or your preferred shape.
- Decorate before baking. If desired, add colored sprinkles to the shapes now or you can leave them plain to be decorated after baking.
- Bake the cookies. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are done.
- Cool and decorate. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets or a wire rack before dipping in melted chocolate or adding additional sprinkles for extra flair.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag with a corner cut off.
- The almond extract is optional but adds a lovely nutty flavor that complements the vanilla.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze in layers separated by parchment paper and thaw before decorating.
