Spritz cookies, also known as pressed cookies, are a classic holiday cookie made by pressing the dough through a cookie press to create fancy patterns and shapes. When made properly, spritz cookies should be light, delicate, and tender with a rich butter flavor. However, many bakers end up with cookies that are dense, hard, and tough instead of the desired delicate texture. There are a few common reasons why spritz cookie dough can turn out tough rather than tender:
Using the Wrong Type of Fat
Spritz cookies rely on the tenderizing power of butter (or margarine) to give them their signature soft, crumbly texture. Using oils like vegetable or canola oil instead of solid fat can prevent the cookies from forming the proper tender, shortbread-like structure as they bake. Always cream together butter and sugar as the first step when making spritz cookies. If you want to substitute margarine for butter, use a high-fat tub margarine (80% fat or more). Low-fat spreads or liquid oils are likely to produce tough cookies.
Overmixing the Dough
Properly creaming the butter and sugar together integrates air into the dough, leading to a softer texture. But overmixing once the dry ingredients are added can deflate the batter and develop too much gluten, making cookies that spread less and turn out dense and chewy. Use a light hand when adding the flour mixture, and mix just until incorporated. If the dough looks shaggy rather than completely blended, that’s OK. Overmixing leads to tough cookies.
Using Too Much Flour
The recipe’s flour measurements should be precise for tender spritz cookies. Too much extra flour inadvertently worked into the dough while mixing can lead to excessive toughness. Scoop and level flour properly rather than packing it into the measuring cup. Likewise, under-creaming the butter and sugar can leave pockets of dry flour that don’t properly hydrate, so be sure to cream thoroughly.
Overbaking
It’s easy to overbake spritz cookies since they are so small and thin. But exceeding the recommended baking time can dry them out and make them tough. Use the time range given in the recipe as a guide, and watch the cookies carefully near the end of baking. They should be lightly golden around the edges but not dark brown. This helps ensure they stay tender and don’t toughen up in the oven.
How to Fix Tough Spritz Cookie Dough
If your spritz cookie dough has already turned out too stiff and tough to press through the cookie press properly, there are a couple of tricks you can try to soften it up before baking:
Add a Little More Butter
Work in a tablespoon or two of room temperature butter to moisten up dry, stiff dough. The extra fat will tenderize gluten strands and allow the dough to spread more in the oven instead of staying dense.
Mix in Milk
For minor dryness, you can mix in one or two tablespoons of milk to soften the dough. Add it one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition to evenly distribute the moisture. Too much can make dough sticky.
Sift In More Flour
Counterintuitively, adding a small amount of extra flour can help make dough more workable if it feels too wet and sticky. Lightly sift one or two tablespoons of flour over the dough and mix it in with your hands. This absorbs excess moisture so the dough firms up.
Let It Rest
Giving stiff dough 10-15 minutes of rest allows flour to fully hydrate and gluten to relax, making it more malleable. Cover the dough and let it sit before attempting to press it into shapes. The texture should improve after a brief rest.
How to Prevent Tough Spritz Cookies
Here are some tips to help you avoid winding up with dense, hard spritz cookies in the first place:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Cold butter or eggs won’t properly cream into the dough, leading to poor texture. Allow ingredients to come to room temp before mixing.
Cream Butter and Sugar Well
Don’t rush this step or you won’t incorporate enough air into the dough. Cream until light and fluffy, 3-5 minutes.
Don’t Overmix Flour
Gently combine the flour mixture without over-beating, just until no dry streaks remain.
Refrigerate Dough Before Baking
Chill spritz dough for 30-60 minutes, until firm enough to easily press shapes. This prevents cookies from spreading too much.
Use Amplified Recipe Measurements
Look for recipes using weight measurements or volume plus weight to ensure perfect flour amounts.
Watch Oven Temperature
Bake at the recommended oven temp. Too high can overbrown cookies before the centers finish baking.
Check Doneness Early
Start checking cookies 1-2 minutes before the minimum time and remove them as soon as edges start to brown.
Troubleshooting Common Spritz Cookie Problems
Here are some tips if your spritz cookies turn out with other issues besides being too dense and tough:
Cookies Spread Too Much
– Chill dough thoroughly before baking
– Use cold dough rather than room temperature
– Use fresh baking soda and baking powder
– Reduce oven temperature 25 degrees
Cookies Crumble Apart
– Don’t overbake; they should look just lightly browned
– Add an extra tablespoon or two of flour if dough is too wet
– Be sure to cream butter and sugar thoroughly
Dough Is Too Sticky
– Work in more flour a tablespoon at a time
– Chill dough before shaping if warm room temperature
– Avoid adding too much egg or other liquid
Cookies Slide Off Press
– Make sure press is thoroughly greased or sprayed
– Refrigerate dough until firm before pressing shapes
– Add a bit more flour if dough is too sticky
Cookies Don’t Hold Shape
– Chill dough well and use metal press with sharp defined edges
– Add a little more flour if dough is too soft
– Press shapes firmly so edges don’t flow back together
Tips for Making Perfect Spritz Cookies
Follow these best practices when making spritz cookies to help ensure you wind up with the ideal delicate, buttery texture:
– Use creamy European-style butter for full rich flavor
– Cream the butter for at least 3-5 minutes until fluffy
– Avoid substituting oil or vegetable shortening for butter
– Chill dough thoroughly before pressing shapes
– Use cookie press on a flat surface for best leverage
– Grease press thoroughly between cookies
– Bake only a few sheets at a time for even baking
– Remove cookies from the pans immediately after baking
– Cool cookies completely on wire racks before storing
Recommended Spritz Cookie Recipes
Here are some top-rated recipes for tender, foolproof spritz cookies:
Brown Butter Spritz Cookies
Browning the butter adds deep nutty flavor. Chilling the dough prevents spreading.
Cinnamon Spritz Cookies
Cinnamon adds warmth and fragrance to these crisp, buttery cookies.
Almond Spritz Cookies
Ground almonds lend rich texture and tenderize this recipe.
Chocolate Dipped Spritz
Dipping one end of these spritz cookies in chocolate makes them extra fancy.
Pink Peppermint Spritz
A hint of peppermint and pink food coloring makes these perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Lemon Spritz Cookies
Tangy lemon extract gives these cookies bright citrus flavor.
Vanilla Spritz Cookies
The quintessential spritz cookie, delicate vanilla is a must-have recipe.
Pecan Spritz Cookies
Chopped pecans lend texture and rich nuttiness.
Eggnog Spritz Cookies
Eggnog and rum extracts make these perfect for Christmas.
Caramel Apple Spritz
Tart green apples and buttery caramel make these taste just like a caramel apple.
Storing and Freezing Spritz Cookies
Spritz cookies stay fresh at room temperature for about 1 week when stored in an airtight container. To maximize their shelf life, store them in the freezer. Here are some tips:
– Let cookies cool completely before freezing
– Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm
– Transfer frozen cookies to an airtight freezer bag or container
– Label with the date and cookie variety
– Spritz cookies can be kept frozen for up to 3 months
– Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator
Chilling and freezing helps prevent spritz cookies from absorbing moisture that can make them lose their signature crisp, delicate texture. Properly stored, frozen spritz cookies retain their buttery flavor and crunchy snap.
Decorating Spritz Cookies
While spritz cookies are beautiful pressed right out of the cookie press, you can also decorate them to add extra flair:
– Lightly brush with egg wash before baking and sprinkle with colored sugar, sprinkles or chopped nuts
– Dip one end of baked cookies in melted chocolate or candy coating
– Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon for simple elegance
– Pipe royal icing details and patterns on the cookies post-baking
– Sandwich two cookies together with buttercream for miniature ice cream sandwiches
– Drizzle cooled cookies with caramel, chocolate or white chocolate
From just a sprinkle of sparkle to full-on decorating, the options are endless for dressing up spritz cookies. Customize them to match the season or holiday so they look as good as they taste!
Spritz Cookie FAQs
Get answers to some common questions about baking and enjoying spritz cookies:
Can spritz cookie dough be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. Let chilled dough come to room temperature before shaping.
How long do spritz cookies keep?
Properly stored at room temperature in an airtight container, spritz cookies will stay fresh for 5-7 days. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Why chill spritz cookie dough before baking?
Chilling helps prevent the delicate cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Cold dough holds its shape better during baking for crisp results.
Can I freeze baked spritz cookies?
Yes, fully cooled spritz cookies freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
What can I use if I don’t have a cookie press?
You can pipe the dough from a piping bag fitted with various tips, or form cookies by hand, rolling dough into balls and flattening with a fork.
How do I fix cookies that slide off the press?
Refrigerate the dough until very firm, grease the press thoroughly, and press dough firmly so shapes hold their edges as they come off the press.
Why do my cookies get flat and spread out?
The dough likely needs to be chilled longer before baking. Cold dough holds its shape better. Reduce oven temp 25 degrees if necessary.
Conclusion
With their fancy shapes and delicate, tender texture, spritz cookies are one of the most beloved holiday treats. Be sure to use plenty of butter, avoid overmixing, and chill dough properly to end up with ideal soft and crumbly spritz cookies instead of a tough batch. Follow the tips above, including creaming butter thoroughly and not overbaking, to turn out cookies with the perfect melt-in-your-mouth richness and light crunch. Decorated with shiny glazes, colorful sugars or a dusting of powdered sugar, spritz cookies are sure to be a hit on any Christmas cookie tray.