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Perfect Buttery Almond Spritz Cookies: Easy Holiday Recipe

almond spritz cookies - featured image

These Perfect Buttery Almond Spritz Cookies are crispy on the edges, tender in the middle, with a warm, nutty almond flavor. They come together in under 30 minutes and are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, and entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened (European-style recommended)
  • 2/3 cup (133g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour
  • Colored sanding sugar or sprinkles (optional)
  • Food coloring gel (optional)
  • Royal icing or melted chocolate (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for 3-4 minutes, until light, fluffy, and almost white. Scrape down the sides halfway through.
  3. Beat in the egg yolk, almond extract, and vanilla extract until fully combined, about 30 seconds.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until the flour disappears. Do not overmix.
  5. Fit your cookie press with the desired disk. Fill the press with dough. Hold the press upright and perpendicular to the baking sheet. Press firmly and release without twisting.
  6. Place cookies about 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 7-9 minutes, until edges are just barely golden. Centers should still look pale.
  7. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Butter must be truly softened (around 65°F/18°C). If dough is too warm, chill for 10 minutes before pressing. Do not overbake; cookies should be just barely golden on edges. Cookies taste even better the next day. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: spritz cookies, almond cookies, holiday cookies, butter cookies, cookie press cookies, easy holiday recipe