Name: Spritz Cookies with Almond Extract Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, room temperature; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla if you prefer); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; 1/4 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract, if desired; Sprinkles to decorate (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 112 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful classic treat that feels both special and simple, then you’re going to adore this Spritz Cookies with Almond Extract Recipe. I absolutely love how these melt-in-your-mouth cookies deliver a perfect balance of buttery richness with that distinct pop of almond flavor. They’re not just beautiful with their festive shapes and sprinkles, but also incredibly fun to make—you’ll find that this recipe quickly becomes a holiday staple or anytime favorite in your cookie drawer!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Flavor with a Twist: The almond extract gives these spritz cookies a unique and irresistible aroma that really sets them apart.
Effortlessly Elegant: Using a cookie press means perfect, uniform shapes every time—impressing guests without extra work.
Kid-Friendly Fun: I love making these with my family; decorating them with sprinkles is a joyful tradition that gets everyone involved.
Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you want to swap extracts or try different toppings, this recipe is your playground.

Spritz Cookies with Almond Extract Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Spritz Cookies with Almond Extract Recipe plays a vital role in creating that tender texture and aromatic flavor. I like to choose quality butter and fresh almond extract because they truly shine through in the final cookie.

Spritz Cookies with Almond Extract Recipe - Ingredients

Butter: Using room temperature butter helps cream it smoothly with the sugar, giving lighter cookies.
Powdered sugar: This ensures a delicate sweetness and a fine texture that granulated sugar can’t quite match.
Egg: Provides structure and richness, making these cookies tender but sturdy enough for the press.
Almond extract: The star of the show! Adds that unmistakable, fragrant almond flavor that makes these spritz cookies so memorable.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.
All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, giving the dough body and that perfect bite.
Milk: A small amount for the glaze to help it set perfectly on top of the cookies.
Sprinkles: Optional but highly recommended for a festive touch and some crunch.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the joys of this Spritz Cookies with Almond Extract Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to your preferences. I’m always playing around with different extracts or decorating ideas to keep it fresh and fitting for different occasions.

Extract swaps: I often use half almond extract and half vanilla extract for a more subtle, rounded flavor that my family adores.
Gluten-free version: Try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—you’ll get a lovely texture but might want to reduce baking time slightly.
Decorating ideas: Beyond classic sprinkles, I’ve had great luck with finely chopped pistachios or colorful sanding sugar for a textured look.
Chocolate dipped: For a rich twist, dip cooled cookies halfway in melted dark chocolate and let them set—it’s always a hit at parties!

How to Make Spritz Cookies with Almond Extract Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat

First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I learned the hard way that properly prepping your sheet helps the cookies slide right off once baked and cool perfectly without sticking or breaking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the room temperature butter and powdered sugar on medium speed for about 1 minute until smooth and fluffy. This step is key to that delicate crumb you’re craving. Don’t skip the fluffing!

Step 3: Add Egg, Almond Extract, and Salt

Next, add the egg, almond extract, and kosher salt, mixing for another minute. Be sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl so everything incorporates evenly—this is one of those little tricks that makes a huge difference in dough consistency.

Step 4: Mix in the Flour

Switch your mixer to low speed and gradually add the all-purpose flour until just combined. Overmixing here will toughen the dough, so stop as soon as you don’t see any flour streaks. The dough should feel soft but hold its shape when pressed.

Step 5: Press and Bake

Load about 1 cup of dough into your cookie press—you might need to experiment a bit to find the right amount for your press size. Press the dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing cookies about 1 inch apart. Bake for 6-7 minutes or until the edges just start to turn a light golden color. You’ll want to keep an eye on them because they bake quickly.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Once baked, carefully transfer your cookies to a wire rack to cool. While they cool, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze. Dip the tops of cookies into the glaze and sprinkle with your favorite decorations. Let them set fully before storing—that way, the glaze firms up nicely without getting sticky.

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Pro Tips for Making Spritz Cookies with Almond Extract Recipe

Use Room Temp Butter: It creams better with sugar, giving lighter cookies that hold beautiful shapes.
Don’t Overmix Flour: Mixing until just combined keeps your cookies tender, not tough.
Cookie Press Tips: I learned pressing straight down with even pressure gets the crispest shapes; uneven pressure can cause dough to puff or become misshapen.
Glaze Wisely: Wait until cookies are completely cooled before glazing to prevent melting or sticky mess.

How to Serve Spritz Cookies with Almond Extract Recipe

Spritz Cookies with Almond Extract Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I adore using classic rainbow sprinkles—they bring a festive vibe and a light crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie. Sometimes I use nonpareils for an elegant, vintage look or edible glitter when it’s a fancy party. You can’t go wrong with whatever brings color and joy to your plate!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of tea or coffee—my personal favorite—and also shine alongside a festive hot chocolate bar. For brunches or afternoon gatherings, add a platter of fresh fruit or light cheese to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I love arranging these spritz cookies in a wreath shape on a large platter, alternating colors and shapes. Another fun idea is packaging them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon—these make charming and thoughtful gifts that you can’t help but enjoy yourself, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days. If you’re making these for a party, prepping a day ahead is totally doable and they taste just as fresh the next day!

Freezing

I freeze these cookies unglazed in a zip-top bag, and they’ve kept beautifully for up to a month. When I want to enjoy them, I thaw the cookies at room temperature and then add the glaze fresh—this way, you avoid the sticky thawed glaze issue that can happen if frozen after glazing.

Reheating

Spritz cookies don’t really require reheating, but if you want to freshen them up, a quick 5-10 second zap in the microwave really revives their softness. Just be cautious not to overdo it or the cookies can become crumbly.

FAQs

Can I use vanilla extract instead of almond extract in this Spritz Cookies with Almond Extract Recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap the almond extract for vanilla if you prefer a more classic flavor. In fact, I sometimes use a combination of half vanilla and half almond extract to create a more nuanced taste. Both work well and keep the cookies delicious.
What if I don’t have a cookie press? Can I shape these cookies by hand?

You can, but spritz cookies really shine with a cookie press for their signature shapes and uniformity. If you don’t have one, try rolling the dough into small balls and flattening them slightly with the bottom of a glass—though they won’t have the classic intricate design, they’ll still taste amazing.
How do I prevent spritz cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure your butter is at room temperature but not too soft or melting; overly soft butter can cause spreading. Also, chilling the dough briefly before pressing can help maintain shapes. Baking on a cool baking sheet and not overcrowding the pan allows each cookie enough space to keep its edges crisp.
Can I decorate spritz cookies without glazing?

Of course! Spritz cookies are delicious straight out of the oven with just sprinkles pressed into the dough before baking. The glaze adds sweetness and shine, but skipping it makes for a more subtle cookie that’s great for those who prefer less sweetness or want to enjoy the almond flavor cleanly.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Spritz Cookies with Almond Extract Recipe holds a special place in my heart—both as a tried-and-true festive favorite and as a canvas for sweet creativity. When I first tried this recipe, the almond extract hooked me immediately, and now I make it regularly for family gatherings or just cozy afternoons. You’ll enjoy how approachable and rewarding this recipe is, and trust me, everyone around you will be asking for seconds. So go ahead, grab your cookie press, and make some memories with these charming little cookies!