Spritz Cookies Without a Press – Fully Detailed Recipe

These buttery cookies are easy to make and bring a nostalgic charm, perfect for holidays or everyday treats. Unlike traditional spritz cookies made with a cookie press, these are rolled into balls, flattened with a fork, and decorated with sprinkles for a homemade touch.

Ingredients and Their Purpose

1 cup butter (softened): The base of the cookie, providing a rich, buttery flavor.
3/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with spreading during baking.

1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the framework of the cookie.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a slight lift, keeping the cookies light and tender.

Dash of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor (omit if using salted butter).
1 teaspoon almond extract: Adds a delicate, nutty flavor signature to spritz cookies (substitute vanilla if preferred).
Sprinkles: For decoration and festive flair.

Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons

Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Fork (for flattening cookies)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep Your Baking Environment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar.

Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to cream them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color (about 2-3 minutes).

3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add 1 large egg (unbeaten) to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat on low to medium speed until fully incorporated.
Mix in 1 teaspoon almond extract for flavor.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and a dash of salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed to prevent flour clouds. Stop mixing once the dough is smooth and no dry streaks remain.

5. Shape the Cookies

Scoop out portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll into 1-inch balls with your hands.

Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one.
Using the tines of a fork, gently press down on each ball twice to create a crisscross pattern.
Sprinkle the tops with your favorite sprinkles for decoration.

6. Bake to Perfection

Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 9-12 minutes. Watch closely after the 9-minute mark—remove them when the edges are just barely golden brown.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Success

Ingredient Tips

Butter Temperature: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the best creaming results.

Extract Variations: Experiment with vanilla, lemon, or orange extract for different flavor profiles.

Shaping Tips

Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop for consistent dough portions, ensuring even baking.
No Dough Chilling Required: This dough is firm enough to bake without chilling, saving time.

Baking Tips

Parchment Paper: Helps prevent over-browning on the bottom.
Batch Size: If you’re baking multiple sheets, rotate them halfway through for even heat distribution.

Storage and Freezing

Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Freezing Dough: Roll dough into balls, flatten, and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
Use different colored sprinkles to suit the occasion—red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or rainbow for everyday fun!

These cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends or adding to a holiday cookie tray. With their soft texture and buttery almond flavor, they’re bound to become a favorite tradition! 🍪✨