If you’ve ever sat in a cozy kitchen watching your mom or grandma press delicate cookies onto a baking sheet, you know exactly what nostalgia tastes like. There’s something timeless about a classic butter spritz cookie — simple ingredients, buttery melt-in-your-mouth texture, and that unmistakable holiday charm.
Too many of us settle for store-bought cookies when the craving hits, only to feel let down by the bland flavor and additives. But baking your own Old-Fashioned Spritz Cookie Recipe isn’t just about better taste — it’s about creating moments that stick around long after the last crumb is gone.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to bake Mom’s Old-Fashioned Spritz Butter Cookies, share a few helpful tips, and sprinkle in some holiday inspiration along the way.
Why Old-Fashioned Spritz Butter Cookies Are Still Everyone’s Favorite
When it comes to holiday treats, spritz cookies have stood the test of time. According to the National Confectioners Association, over 70% of American households bake cookies during the holidays, and spritz cookies rank among the top five Christmas classics.
These cookies are so simple yet so elegant — buttery, crisp, and perfect for decorating. They’re an ideal option when you need a big batch for a cookie exchange or family gathering.
As pastry chef Linda Meyers, who’s been featured in Bake Magazine, puts it:
“A spritz cookie is like a warm hug from your childhood — no fancy ingredients, just pure comfort.”
How to Make Mom’s Old-Fashioned Spritz Butter Cookies
Below is a foolproof Old-Fashioned Spritz Cookie Recipe that tastes just like the ones Mom used to make every Christmas.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- Colored sugar or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cream the Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth bite.
2️⃣ Add Egg & Flavors: Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract if using.
3️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until the dough is smooth and not sticky.
4️⃣ Shape with Cookie Press: Fill your spritz cookie press with dough and press cookies directly onto an ungreased baking sheet.
5️⃣ Decorate: If you’d like, top with colored sugar or festive sprinkles before baking.
6️⃣ Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 7–8 minutes or until the edges are just turning golden. Cool on the sheet for a minute before transferring to a wire rack.
Pros and Cons of Making Traditional Christmas Spritz Cookies at Home
Wondering if it’s worth making them from scratch? Here’s a quick look:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Homemade taste and nostalgia | Takes time to press and bake |
| No preservatives or additives | Requires a spritz cookie press |
| Perfect for holiday gifting | Dough can dry out if overhandled |
| Fun to bake with kids | Easy to eat too many! |
| Customizable shapes and colors |
Tips for Perfect Classic Butter Spritz Cookies
✅ Use Room Temp Butter: Soft butter creams better and holds its shape in the press.
✅ Don’t Chill the Dough: Unlike other cookies, spritz dough works best at room temp so it presses smoothly.
✅ Practice Makes Perfect: The first few cookies may look wonky — don’t worry! The press gets easier once the dough settles.
✅ Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight tin. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week — if they last that long.
FAQs About Mom’s Old-Fashioned Spritz Butter Cookies
Q1: What’s the secret to the perfect Old-Fashioned Spritz Cookie Recipe?
Use good-quality butter, don’t chill the dough, and press onto a cool, ungreased baking sheet.
Q2: Can I make Classic Butter Spritz Cookies without a cookie press?
You can try piping the dough with a sturdy pastry bag and a large star tip, but a cookie press makes it much easier.
Q3: How do I keep the dough from sticking to the press?
If your dough is too soft, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s firm enough to hold its shape.
Q4: Are Traditional Christmas Spritz Cookies freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to a month.
Q5: Can I flavor spritz cookies differently?
Absolutely! Swap almond extract for lemon, orange zest, or peppermint for a festive twist.
Q6: How many cookies does this recipe make?
One batch makes about 4 dozen small cookies, perfect for sharing.
Q7: What are some LSI keywords for these cookies?
Holiday butter cookies, spritz cookie press tips, vintage Christmas cookies, best spritz cookie shapes, easy butter cookies recipe.
Final Thoughts — What’s Your Spritz Cookie Secret?
There’s nothing quite like passing down a recipe from one generation to the next. I hope this Old-Fashioned Spritz Cookie Recipe brings as much warmth to your kitchen as it has to mine.
Have your own secret twist? A sprinkle of cinnamon, a splash of orange zest, or a favorite sprinkle brand? Share it in the comments below — let’s keep these sweet memories alive, one cookie tray at a time. Happy baking!
LSI Keywords: holiday butter cookies, spritz cookie press, vintage cookie recipe, festive butter cookies, homemade Christmas cookies.
If you’d like, I can also craft a matching Pinterest Pin description, board titles, or a meta description for this post — just say “Yes!” and I’ll whip it up for y
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