Easter is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and of course, delicious treats. Among the many sweets that make an appearance during the holiday, Easter Spritz Cookies Recipe hold a special place. These delightful, buttery cookies are made with cream cheese, giving them an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture. They are piped out using a cookie press, ensuring perfectly shaped, delicate cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat.
One of the best parts about this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of common pantry ingredients—flour, butter, sugar, and almond extract—yet the result is something truly special. The dough comes together quickly, and with a little help from a cookie press, you can create intricate shapes with minimal effort. To make these cookies even more festive, they are topped with pastel-colored Easter M&Ms, adding a pop of color and a touch of chocolatey goodness.
These cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to bring the family together. Whether you’re baking with kids, making a batch for an Easter brunch, or gifting them to loved ones, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles. They are perfect for a dessert platter, an Easter egg hunt snack, or simply as a sweet indulgence with a cup of tea or coffee.
If you’ve never used a cookie press before, don’t worry. This recipe is beginner-friendly, and with a few helpful tips, you’ll be making perfect spritz cookies in no time. Plus, the dough is forgiving, making it easy to adjust if needed. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the wonderful aroma of freshly baked Easter Spritz Cookies.
Why You’ll Love This Easter Spritz Cookies Recipe
These Easter Spritz Cookies have so much going for them, from their texture to their flavor and festive appeal. If you need more reasons to try this recipe, here are just a few:
- Easy to Make – The dough comes together in just a few minutes, and using a cookie press makes shaping the cookies effortless. Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is approachable and foolproof.
- Festive and Fun – The pastel M&Ms on top give these cookies the perfect Easter touch. You can also experiment with different shapes using various cookie press discs, making each batch unique.
- Perfectly Buttery and Crisp – Thanks to the combination of butter and cream cheese, these cookies have a delicate, crisp texture that melts in your mouth.
- Great for Gifting – Pack them in a decorative tin or box, and you have a thoughtful homemade Easter gift that anyone would appreciate.
- Kid-Friendly – This is a great recipe to make with kids. They’ll love pressing out the cookies and adding the M&Ms on top. Plus, it’s a fun way to get them involved in holiday traditions.
Health Benefits Easter Spritz Cookies Recipe
While Easter Spritz Cookies are definitely a treat, they do have some surprising benefits when enjoyed in moderation:
- Source of Energy – These cookies contain carbohydrates from flour and sugar, which provide a quick source of energy.
- Good Fats from Butter – Butter contains essential fatty acids that support brain health and overall well-being.
- Mood-Boosting Effects – Sweet treats like these cookies can increase serotonin levels, helping to improve mood and create a sense of happiness—perfect for festive occasions.
- Portion Control – Since these cookies are small, they are naturally portion-controlled, making it easy to enjoy one or two without overindulging.
- Homemade Goodness – When you bake at home, you can control the ingredients, avoiding unnecessary preservatives and artificial flavors found in store-bought cookies.
Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information Easter Spritz Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 8-11 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 36 cookies
Nutritional Information per Cookie:
- Calories: 80
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
Ingredients List Easter Spritz Cookies Recipe
To make these delightful Easter Spritz Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the cookies.
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional) – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 2 sticks (1 cup) cold butter, cut into pieces – Adds richness and flakiness.
- 4 ounces cold cream cheese – Contributes to the cookies’ melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps with the light, crisp texture.
- 1 egg yolk – Binds the ingredients together and adds a slight richness.
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract – Provides warmth and depth of flavor.
- ¾ teaspoon almond extract – Adds a delicate nutty flavor that complements the butter.
- ½ cup pastel-colored Easter M&Ms – The festive finishing touch.
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions Easter Spritz Cookies Recipe
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Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place two baking sheets in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the dough. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
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Mix the Butter and Cream Cheese
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cold butter and cream cheese together using a stand mixer or hand mixer. Mix until just combined but not overly soft.
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Incorporate the Sugar
- Add the sugar to the mixture and beat until the texture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the Egg Yolk and Extracts
- Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
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Incorporate the Flour
- Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies too dense.
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Fill the Cookie Press
- Load the dough into a cookie press fitted with your desired disc shape. Hold the press vertically over an ungreased baking sheet and press out the cookies. Space them about an inch apart.
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Bake the Cookies
- Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 8-11 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
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Add the M&Ms
- As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, quickly press an Easter M&M into the center of each cookie before they harden.
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Cool and Store
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
How to Serve Easter Spritz Cookies Recipe
- As a Festive Easter Treat – Arrange these cookies on a decorative platter for your Easter table.
- With Coffee or Tea – These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.
- In an Easter Dessert Box – Add them to a homemade Easter dessert box with chocolates and other sweets.
- As a Gift – Package them in a decorative tin or bag for a thoughtful Easter gift.
Pairing Suggestions
- Hot Drinks – Enjoy with hot chocolate, chai tea, or a vanilla latte.
- Fruit Compotes – Serve alongside a berry compote for a fresh contrast.
- Ice Cream – Pair with vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these cookies without a cookie press?
Yes! While a cookie press gives them their signature shape, you can also roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly with a fork. Another option is to pipe the dough using a large star-tip piping bag.
2. Why do I need to use cold butter and cream cheese?
Using cold butter and cream cheese helps create the perfect firm texture for spritz cookies. Soft butter can make the dough too sticky, leading to cookies that spread too much in the oven.
3. Can I substitute the almond extract with something else?
Absolutely! If you prefer a nut-free version or don’t like almond extract, you can simply replace it with additional vanilla extract or even a hint of lemon extract for a fresh twist.
4. How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the cookie press?
If your dough is too warm, it can stick to the press. Try chilling the dough for about 15 minutes before using it. Also, make sure your baking sheet is ungreased—greasing it can cause the cookies to slip instead of sticking as they are pressed.
5. Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes! If you want to make these cookies even more festive, add a few drops of pastel-colored food dye to the dough before pressing. Pink, yellow, and light green are great options for Easter.
6. My cookies are too soft. What went wrong?
If your cookies turn out too soft, they may not have baked long enough. Try leaving them in the oven for another 1-2 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown. Also, be sure to use cold ingredients as specified in the recipe.
7. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly, then proceed with pressing and baking.
8. What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, freezing is a great option.
9. Can I freeze the dough instead of baked cookies?
Yes! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then proceed as usual.
10. How do I get the perfect crisp texture?
For a crispier cookie, you can bake them for an extra minute or two, but be careful not to overbake. Using high-quality butter and chilling your cookie sheets before baking can also help maintain the perfect balance of crispness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though these cookies are easy to make, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the final result. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Overmixing the dough – Mixing the dough too much after adding the flour can lead to dense cookies instead of light and crisp ones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Using warm butter or cream cheese – This can make the dough too soft, making it hard to press out and leading to cookies that spread too much in the oven.
- Greasing the baking sheet – Unlike most cookie recipes, spritz cookies work best on an ungreased baking sheet. If the sheet is greased, the cookies won’t adhere properly when pressed, leading to misshapen cookies.
- Pressing the M&Ms too late – If you wait too long after baking to press the M&Ms into the cookies, they won’t stick properly. Do this immediately after taking them out of the oven while they are still warm.
- Baking at the wrong temperature – Spritz cookies need to bake at a steady 350°F (175°C). If your oven runs too hot or too cool, the texture may not come out right. Use an oven thermometer to check for accuracy.
Pro Tips for the Best Easter Spritz Cookies
To take your Easter Spritz Cookies to the next level, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use a high-quality cookie press – A sturdy cookie press makes a big difference. Metal presses tend to work better than plastic ones.
- Chill your cookie sheets – Placing the baking sheets in the fridge before using them helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Work quickly when pressing cookies – If your dough starts to soften too much, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before continuing.
- Experiment with different extracts – If you want to try something new, substitute the almond extract with orange, lemon, or coconut extract for a different flavor twist.
- Add decorations before baking – If you want extra decorations, sprinkle a little sanding sugar on top before baking for a subtle shimmer.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
One of the great things about these cookies is that they store and freeze beautifully, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time.
- Storing at Room Temperature – Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. To prevent them from becoming too soft, place parchment paper between layers.
- Freezing the Cookies – If you’d like to make a batch in advance, these cookies freeze well. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Thawing Frozen Cookies – When ready to enjoy, simply let the cookies thaw at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. They will taste just as fresh as when they were first baked.
- Reheating for a Fresh-Baked Taste – If you want to refresh the cookies, place them in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes. This will restore a bit of their crispness.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Easter Spritz Cookies are the perfect festive treat—light, buttery, and easy to make, yet incredibly beautiful and delicious. Whether you’re preparing them for an Easter celebration, packaging them as gifts, or just enjoying them with your family, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
If you’ve never used a cookie press before, this is the perfect recipe to start with. The process is simple and fun, and the results are stunning. Plus, with the option to customize flavors, colors, and decorations, you can truly make them your own.
Now it’s your turn! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and give this recipe a try. I’d love to hear how they turn out for you. If you make these cookies, share your experience in the comments below or tag me on social media with a photo of your beautiful Easter Spritz Cookies.
Happy baking and have a wonderful Easter celebration!
Print
Easter Spritz Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth Easter Spritz Cookies are made with cream cheese and pressed into beautiful festive shapes. Topped with pastel M&Ms, they are the perfect treat for Easter celebrations. Simple to make and delicious to eat!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 cup cold butter, cubed
- 4 ounces cold cream cheese
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup pastel-colored Easter M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and chill baking sheets.
- Beat cold butter and cream cheese until combined.
- Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- Mix in egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
- Load dough into a cookie press and press shapes onto an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-11 minutes, or until edges turn light golden.
- Immediately press an M&M into the center of each cookie.
- Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender.
- Use an ungreased baking sheet to help the cookies retain their shape.
- For a festive look, add food coloring to the dough before pressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American