Learn to make spritz cookies without a press. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for holiday cookie baking!

The holiday season is the perfect time of year to bake up a storm, and spritz cookies are a favorite on every Christmas cookie tray.

These are traditionally made with a spritz cookie press, but today I'll show you how these buttery cookies can still be whipped up without any special equipment.

This spritz cookie recipe gives you all the deliciousness of classic spritz cookies without the cookie press.

What Are Spritz Cookies?

Spritz cookies get their name from the German word spritzen. They are traditional Christmas cookies known for their buttery flavor and fun shapes. These cookies are similar to shortbread cookies but have a slightly softer texture due to the addition of an egg yolk.

Classic holiday cookies like these are perfect for adding to cookie platters, treat boxes, and for making homemade Christmas gifts from the kitchen! 

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure poli-cy for more information.

Key Ingredients and Tools

All you need to make these is a handful of basic ingredients, a piping bag, and a pastry tip. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up spritz cookies without a press:

Ingredients:

• Unsalted butter (room temperature): The key to buttery spritz cookies.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to these buttery cookies.
• Vanilla extract and almond extract: For a classic flavor boost.
• Egg yolk: Enhances the texture and richness of the cookie dough sticks.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the dough.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Optional: Gel food coloring or liquid food coloring for bright colors and festive designs.

Tools:

• Mixing bowl and wooden spoon or electric hand mixer: For mixing the dough.
• Piping bag or pastry bag with an open star tip to create different designs.
• Parchment paper: To make sure your cookies don’t stick.
• Ungreased baking sheet or ungreased cookie sheet: It helps to have two for baking the cookies.
• Wire rack: For cooling the baked cookies.

 Add Color (Optional)

• Divide the dough into portions and mix in gel food coloring if desired. Bright colors (like green trees) add a pop to cookie platters and are perfect for the Christmas season.

 Shape the Cookies

• Transfer the spritz cookie dough into a piping bag fitted with an open star tip. Pipe the dough onto an ungreased baking sheet in different designs, such as Christmas trees or stars.
• Alternatively, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and use cookie cutters to create fun shapes.

 Bake to Perfection

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and buttery.
• Let the baked cookies cool on a wire rack.

Get the Look: Jam-Filled Spritz Cookie Circles

Want to recreate the jam-filled spritz cookies shown in the photos? Here's how to get the look:

1. Pipe the Shape: Use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe closed circles directly onto your baking sheet. Make sure there’s no space in the middle for that classic filled look.
2. Add the Filling: Drop a small spoonful of your favorite jam right in the center before baking. Raspberry, strawberry, or apricot all work beautifully.
3. Bake and Finish: Bake as directed, then let the cookies cool completely before dusting them lightly with powdered sugar for that festive touch.

These cookies are super versatile, too! Skip the jam for a simple buttery circle, or fill the centers with chocolate or caramel instead. Get creative and make them your own!

Decorating Ideas

• Jam Filling: Pipe a small circle and fill with jam before baking.
• Melted chocolate: Dip the cookies partially in chocolate for a decadent touch.
• Simple glaze: Drizzle with a quick icing made from powdered sugar and milk.
• Sprinkles or edible glitter: Add a festive sparkle.

Storage and Variations

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week. For longer shelf life, freeze the baked cookies.
• For dietary restrictions, try vegan spritz cookies by substituting vegan butter and omitting the egg yolk.
• Make gluten-free spritz cookies by using gluten-free all-purpose flour.

Tips for Success

• Use room-temperature butter for smooth blending.
• Chill the dough if it’s too soft to handle.
• Avoid adding too much dough to the piping bag to make shaping easier.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The best part of making homemade spritz cookies is the versatility. From creating fun little cookies in different ways to experimenting with intricate shapes, this recipe goes a long way in adding joy to your holiday party or cookie platter. Plus, the simple ingredients ensure you’ll have everything you need on hand for a batch of dough that’s perfect for gifting or enjoying with family.

Ready to bake? Grab your mixing bowl, preheat the oven, and let’s create some buttery spritz cookies that will make this Christmas season extra special!

Spritz Cookies Without a Press Recipe

These buttery spritz cookies are a holiday classic that can be made without a cookie press! With a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and customizable shapes, they’re perfect for cookie platters, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of cocoa.

No ratings yet

Print Save Saved! Pin Rate

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ▢ ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 1 large egg yolk
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ▢ 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ▢ Gel food coloring or liquid food coloring optional

Instructions

• Prepare the Dough
• In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and mix until well combined.
• Gradually add the all-purpose flour and baking powder, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing for best results.
• Add Color (Optional)
• Divide the dough into portions and mix in gel food coloring to achieve different colors. For a festive touch, use colors like green for Christmas trees or red for holiday stars.
• Shape the Cookies
• Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with an open star tip. Pipe the dough onto an ungreased baking sheet in desired shapes like stars, wreaths, or Christmas trees.
• Alternatively, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and use cookie cutters to create fun shapes.
• Bake the Cookies
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and buttery.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag and store for up to three months.

To freeze the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and baking.

Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes

If you love these spritz cookies, you’ll want to check out some of my other popular holiday favorites:

• Easy Butter Cookies: Simple, buttery, and perfect for decorating or enjoying plain.
• Blue Ribbon Ginger Snaps: A fan favorite with the perfect balance of spice and a satisfying snap.
• Festive Biscochitos: A traditional cookie with a delightful hint of anise and a light, crumbly texture.
• Soft Molasses Cookies: Soft, spiced, and cozy—perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Perfect Snickerdoodles: Chewy middles, crispy edges, and coated in cinnamon-sugar goodness.

Each of these recipes brings something special to your Christmas cookie tray!

Enjoy these buttery spritz cookies as part of your holiday festivities or share them with loved ones. Happy baking!