Buttery, crisp, and perfectly sweet, these Traditional German Spritz Cookies (Spritzgebäck) are a holiday classic! Made with a simple dough, these cookies are light, delicate, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just treating yourself, this German Spritz Cookies recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love These Spritz Cookies
Spritzgebäck are the quintessential German holiday treat. With their delicate, buttery texture and sweet flavor, they’re the perfect addition to any holiday cookie tray or festive gathering. This easy-to-make cookie dough requires just a few simple ingredients and can be shaped into a variety of fun, festive designs using a cookie press or piping bag. Whether decorated with colorful sprinkles or dipped in chocolate, these cookies are both beautiful and delicious, making them a hit at any celebration.
Ingredients
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1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
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1 egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract for a different flavor)
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, sifted
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Pinch of salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract (or almond extract) and mix until well combined. Gradually add the sifted flour and a pinch of salt, mixing until the dough is smooth.
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Shape the Cookies: Use a cookie press or piping bag to pipe the dough into your desired shapes on parchment-lined baking sheets.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
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Cool: Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 40 cookies
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Butter Quality: For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality unsalted butter.
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Flavor Variation: Switch the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
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Decoration: Decorate your cookies with colorful sprinkles before baking for a festive look, or dip them in chocolate after they have cooled for an indulgent touch.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
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Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
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You can also freeze these cookies for up to 1 month. If freezing, ensure they are stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent them from becoming stale.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter for this recipe, as salted butter will affect the flavor balance. If you only have salted butter, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
2. Can I freeze the dough to bake later?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight before shaping and baking.
3. Can I make these cookies without a cookie press?
Yes, you can shape the dough using a piping bag with a large star tip or simply roll it into small balls and flatten them with your hands for a more rustic look.
4. How do I make sure the cookies don’t spread too much while baking?
Make sure your dough is well-chilled before baking. Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
5. Can I make these cookies without an egg?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or another egg replacer for a vegan version.
6. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, you can add mini chocolate chips or any other mix-ins you like to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
7. How do I get the cookies to look more decorative?
Use a cookie press to create fun, intricate designs, or pipe them into holiday shapes with a piping bag. You can also decorate them with icing or sprinkles after baking.
8. Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, these cookies are perfect for making ahead. They stay fresh for days and can even be frozen for later use.
9. How can I make the cookies more festive?
For a holiday look, add red or green sprinkles before baking, or dip the cooled cookies in white or dark chocolate and sprinkle them with festive decorations.
10. Can I use a stand mixer for the dough?
Yes, you can use a stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar together and mix the dough. Just be sure not to overmix once the flour is added to maintain the delicate texture of the cookies.
Conclusion
These Traditional German Spritz Cookies (Spritzgebäck) are a timeless classic, perfect for any holiday or special occasion. With their buttery, crisp texture and sweet, delicate flavor, they’re sure to be a favorite at any cookie exchange or family gathering. Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious, this simple recipe will help you create a tray full of beautiful, mouthwatering cookies in no time. Enjoy these festive treats with loved ones and make lasting memories with every bite!
Print
Traditional German Spritz Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery, crisp, and perfectly sweet, these Traditional German Spritz Cookies (Spritzgebäck) are a holiday classic! Made with a simple dough, these cookies are light, delicate, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just treating yourself, this German Spritz Cookies recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract for a different flavor)
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, sifted
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract (or almond extract), mixing until well combined. Gradually add the sifted flour and a pinch of salt, mixing until the dough is smooth.
Shape the Cookies: Use a cookie press or piping bag to pipe the dough into your desired shapes on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Butter Quality: For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality unsalted butter.
Decoration: For extra flair, decorate your cookies with colorful sprinkles before baking, or dip them in chocolate after they have cooled.
Dough Tip: If the dough is too stiff to pipe, let it soften slightly at room temperature for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: German
