Grandma’s Classic Spritz Cookies Recipe for Perfect Holiday Cookies

Grandma’s Spritz Cookies are a beloved family classic for holidays, birthdays, and any gathering. These buttery, delicate cookies topped with colorful sprinkles are always a hit for dessert or a midday treat.

Grandma’s Spritz Cookie Recipe

Some recipes are simply Grandma’s specialty. These spritz cookies have been on our family table for years, appearing at parties, holidays, and weekend gatherings. They’re tender, slightly sweet, and the sprinkles make them festive for any occasion. Enjoy them with coffee, as an afternoon snack, or packed up for guests.

How Do You Make Spritz Cookies?

To make traditional spritz cookies you’ll want a cookie press (or a piping bag with a decorative tip). A cookie press is affordable, durable, and comes with multiple discs so you can create a variety of shapes. The dough is simple and comes together quickly in a stand mixer from basic ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, egg, milk, and extracts.

Making the Dough

1. Combine the flour and baking powder in a medium bowl and whisk together.
2. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg, milk, vanilla, and almond extract and beat until incorporated.
4. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture in three additions, scraping the bowl once. Mix only until blended—do not overwork the dough.

Fill the cookie press about halfway with dough and choose your desired disc—Grandma often used a flower-shaped disc. Press the cookies onto an ungreased baking sheet or parchment-lined pan, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Add sprinkles to the centers while the dough is soft.

Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 7–9 minutes, just until they are set. Let them cool on the pan for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, resealable bag, or a cookie jar.

Can You Freeze Spritz Cookies?

Yes—these cookies freeze very well. Grandma often prepared batches ahead of time and kept them frozen until needed. After cooling completely, place cookies in resealable freezer bags and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Freezing is an excellent way to prepare for the holidays or large gatherings.

Why Are These Cookies Called Spritz?

The name “spritz” comes from the German word spritzen, meaning “to squirt,” which describes how the cookie dough is forced through a press or piping bag to form decorative shapes. Traditional methods use either a piping bag with a decorative tip or a cookie press with patterned discs.

Troubleshooting: Cookies Not Releasing from the Press

If your cookies are sticking or won’t release cleanly from the press, avoid overworking the dough—mix only until combined. Properly creamed butter and sugar (light and fluffy) helps the dough press smoothly. Another helpful tip is to use a cold baking sheet; chilling the pan briefly in the freezer gives the dough a firmer surface to stick to and can make pressing easier.

Recipe Details