Delicate buttery spritz cookies

Featured in: Sweet Easy Treats

These buttery spritz are shaped using a cookie press to form elegant fans layered in clusters. Made from creamed butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and a hint of almond extract, the dough is baked until edges turn golden. The cookies are enhanced with colored sanding sugar or sprinkles and optionally drizzled with melted chocolate for added flair. Cool completely on wire racks before adding final touches. A beautiful choice to present on holiday cookie trays or for special occasions.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:31:00 GMT
Golden-edged spritz cookies, beautifully layered in a fan shape, perfect for any holiday celebration. Pin This
Golden-edged spritz cookies, beautifully layered in a fan shape, perfect for any holiday celebration. | messli.com

Delicate, buttery spritz cookies arranged in a beautiful layered fan shape—perfect for the holidays and a festive addition to any cookie tray.

Ingredients

  • Cookie Dough: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, room temperature, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional), 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • Decoration: Colored sanding sugar or sprinkles, 2 oz (60 g) dark or white chocolate, melted (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or leave ungreased if using a nonstick sheet.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 3 minutes.
Step 3:
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
Step 4:
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
Step 5:
Fit a cookie press with a fan or star-shaped disc. Fill the press with dough.
Step 6:
Press cookies directly onto the baking sheets, forming fans by overlapping slightly at the base arrange 3 4 cookies in a fanned layer for each cluster.
Step 7:
Sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles if desired.
Step 8:
Bake for 9 11 minutes until the edges are just turning golden.
Step 9:
Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10:
Once cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate if desired and let set before serving.
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Required Tools

Electric mixer, Mixing bowls, Cookie press with fan or star-shaped disc, Baking sheets, Parchment paper (optional), Wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains: Wheat (gluten), egg, milk (butter), and possible tree nuts if almond extract is used. Decorations may contain additional allergens—check labels.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 80, Total Fat: 4.5 g, Carbohydrates: 9 g, Protein: 1 g (per cookie)

Buttery, crisp spritz cookies, pressed into lovely fan shapes, sprinkled with colorful sugar crystals. Pin This
Buttery, crisp spritz cookies, pressed into lovely fan shapes, sprinkled with colorful sugar crystals. | messli.com

These spritz cookies bring joy and a festive spirit to any gathering with their delicate shape and buttery flavor.

Recipe Q&A

What dough consistency is ideal for shaping spritz fans?

The dough should be soft and smooth but firm enough to hold its shape when pressed. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness while ensuring it is not too sticky for the cookie press.

How do I create the layered fan arrangement?

Press cookies onto the baking sheet overlapping the bases slightly, arranging 3 to 4 cookies in a fanned cluster. This layering technique achieves a beautiful visual effect after baking.

Can I substitute almond extract if unavailable?

Yes, almond extract is optional and can be omitted or replaced with a nut-free alternative like additional vanilla extract for subtle flavor enhancement.

What is the best way to prevent sticking during baking?

Line baking sheets with parchment paper or use ungreased nonstick sheets. This ensures cookies release easily without losing their delicate shape.

How should I store these cookies to maintain freshness?

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to retain crispness and buttery flavor.

Delicate buttery spritz cookies

Buttery spritz shaped in layered fans with colorful sugar and optional chocolate drizzle for festive treats.

Prep Needed
25 minutes
Time to Cook
10 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created by Messli Tessa Marlow


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine German-American

Makes 36 Portions

Dietary Notes Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Cookie Dough

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 1 large egg, room temperature
04 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
05 1/2 tsp almond extract, optional
06 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
07 1/2 tsp fine sea salt

Decoration

01 Colored sanding sugar or sprinkles
02 2 oz dark or white chocolate, melted, optional for drizzling

Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or leave ungreased if using nonstick sheets.

Step 02

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 03

Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, until thoroughly combined.

Step 04

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour and salt, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.

Step 05

Prepare Cookie Press: Fit cookie press with a fan or star-shaped disc and fill it with dough.

Step 06

Shape and Arrange Cookies: Press cookies directly onto baking sheets, forming fans by slightly overlapping 3 to 4 cookies at the base to create clusters.

Step 07

Apply Decorations: Sprinkle colored sanding sugar or sprinkles over each shaped cookie as desired.

Step 08

Bake: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are just turning golden.

Step 09

Cool Cookies: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

Optional Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over cookies if desired and allow to set before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cookie press with fan or star-shaped disc
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper, optional
  • Wire rack

Allergy Details

Be sure to check each ingredient for allergens and consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, milk (butter), and possible tree nuts due to almond extract.
  • Decoration ingredients may include additional allergens; verify labels.

Nutrition Breakdown (per portion)

For general guidelines only. Not meant to provide medical or dietary diagnosis.
  • Caloric Value: 80
  • Fats: 4.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Proteins: 1 g