Almond Spritz Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s not only delicious but also effortlessly elegant, then you’re going to adore this Almond Spritz Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come out crisp yet tender, buttery with that dreamy almond aroma, and perfectly dainty—just like the spritz cookies I used to beg my grandma for during the holidays. Stick with me, because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and will quickly become your go-to for festive gatherings or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Almond Spritz Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of buttery texture and nutty flavor. When you’re shopping, aim for the best quality almond extract you can find—it really makes a difference.

• Unsalted Butter: Using room temperature butter helps achieve that light, fluffy dough texture, which is crucial for spritz cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: It sweetens just right and helps the cookies get a slight crisp edge when baked.
• Egg Yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the dough without making it too wet or cakey.
• Pure Almond Extract: This is the star flavor—don’t substitute with imitation extract for best results.
• All-Purpose Flour: Sifted to keep the dough light and ensure even mixing.
• Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the almond notes.

Variations

I’m all for making this Almond Spritz Cookies Recipe your own. Over time, I’ve loved experimenting with different flavors and finishes—spritz cookies are super versatile, so feel free to get creative!

• Colored Dough: I once added a few drops of gel food coloring to the dough for a festive rainbow batch—super fun for kids’ parties.
• Flavored Extracts: Try swapping out almond extract for vanilla, lemon, or orange for a citrus twist. Almond remains my favorite though!
• Decorative Toppings: Sprinkles, colored sugars, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate add a lovely festive touch.
• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve tested a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend here—it works pretty well, but expect a slightly different texture.

How to Make Almond Spritz Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar Until Light and Fluffy

This first step is where you build the base of your cookies. I like to use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment for this because it aerates the butter really well—if you don’t have one, a hand mixer or even good old-fashioned elbow grease works. Just beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s important because it traps air, which helps your cookies be tender and delicate.

Step 2: Add Egg Yolk and Almond Extract

Next, you’ll add in the egg yolk and almond extract. I love the gorgeous scent that fills the kitchen at this point—it’s really the hallmark of this recipe. Beat everything together until you get a smooth, creamy mixture. This step ensures the almond flavor diffuses evenly throughout your dough.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour and Salt

Sift the all-purpose flour and salt together to avoid any lumps. Then, with your mixer on the lowest speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. This slow addition prevents the flour from flying everywhere (trust me, I learned the hard way) and helps you keep that soft, workable dough. When done, your dough should feel tender but not sticky—if it’s too soft, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before pressing.

Step 4: Press the Dough onto Prepared Baking Sheets

Now, the fun part. Fill your cookie press with dough and hold it perpendicular to a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat. Press out your cookies, leaving about 1 to 2 inches apart because they don’t spread much. You’ll find that chilling the dough a bit before baking helps the cookies keep their defined shapes perfectly, especially if your kitchen is warm.

Step 5: Decorate and Chill the Cookies

Before baking, I like to add some personality: sprinkles, colored sugar, or even plain sanding sugar. This almond spritz cookie dough holds all sorts of decorations beautifully. After decorating, pop the cookie trays into the fridge or freezer for about 10 minutes while your oven preheats to 375°F. I discovered this trick keeps the cookies from puffing up too much and helps them stay delicate and crisp.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden. When I first tried this timing, I was worried about overbaking, but the cookies come out perfectly tender with just a slight crisp edge. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time is key—it allows them to firm up so they don’t break when you move them.

How to Serve Almond Spritz Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with simple colored sugar or festive sprinkles—especially around the holidays. But I’ve also garnished with finely chopped toasted almonds sprinkled on top before baking. It adds a lovely crunch and highlights that almond flavor even more. Plus, the visual contrast is stunning.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, and I sometimes serve them alongside softer cookies like sugar cookies or molasses for variety on my cookie platters. They also make a delightful companion to a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want a sweet treat after dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange them on a layered cake stand lined with doilies—already gets oohs and aahs! Another favorite is packaging them in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon for edible gifts. You can also stack them with wax paper in between on pretty trays to display at brunches or showers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my leftover almond spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They keep beautifully for up to a week, maintaining their crispness and flavor. If the kitchen is humid, I add a couple of silica gel packets (originally for crafts) inside the container to keep things dry.

Freezing

If I want to prep early, I press the dough and bake the cookies as usual, then freeze them in airtight containers. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Alternatively, you can freeze the raw dough in the cookie press discs wrapped well, then bake fresh later. I’ve tried both ways, and freezing baked cookies works best for me.

Reheating

To refresh the crisp texture of leftover or frozen almond spritz cookies, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This little warming trick revives their buttery crunch without drying them out. Just keep an eye so they don’t brown further.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Almond Spritz Cookies Recipe has truly become one of my favorite simple treats to bake and share. There’s something so satisfying about pressing out the dough, adding your favorite sprinkle, and then watching those perfect cookies come out of the oven golden and fragrant. Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon with a cup of tea or gifting a homemade batch to loved ones, these cookies always bring a smile. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience that joy yourself!

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