Traditional German Butter Cookies : A Buttery Christmas Classic You’ll Treasure

Few treats say “Christmas” quite like Traditional German Butter Cookies. With their buttery aroma, delicate texture, and classic shapes, these cookies have been a staple in European holiday baking for generations. Known as Spritzgebäck in Germany and Danish Spritz Cookies in Denmark, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are made from simple ingredients — butter, sugar, eggs, and flour — yet they deliver extraordinary flavor.

Perfect for baking with family, packaging in festive tins, or serving alongside a warm cup of cocoa, these holiday spritz cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat.

If you love nostalgic cookie recipes like our Cinnamon Roll Cookies or Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies, you’ll adore the elegance and simplicity of this timeless European favorite.

Save

The Charm of Authentic Spritz Butter Cookies

The beauty of Spritz Butter Cookies lies in their versatility. The dough is pressed through a cookie press to create intricate shapes like stars, wreaths, and flowers, making them a must-have addition to any Christmas cookie platter. These delicate cookies are crisp on the edges and tender in the center — the perfect blend of texture and taste.

Spritz cookies have deep roots in European baking traditions. German families often bake them together before Christmas, filling the kitchen with the warm scent of vanilla and butter. Similarly, in Denmark, they’re known as Vaniljekranse (vanilla wreaths), a symbol of love and togetherness during the holidays.

They pair beautifully with hot drinks and look stunning in cookie tins, making them one of the most cherished Christmas press cookies you can gift or serve.

For more European-inspired sweets, you might also enjoy our festive Pumpkin Twists or Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies.

Ingredients for Traditional German Butter Cookies

These cookies require simple pantry staples, but the key is high-quality butter for the authentic taste and texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 sticks (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (or almond extract for variation)
• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• A pinch of salt

Optional for decorating:

• Melted chocolate for dipping
• Colored sprinkles or sanding sugar
• Powdered sugar for dusting

This recipe makes about 40 cookies, depending on the shapes you choose with your cookie press.

If you love buttery, rich cookie bases, you might also enjoy our Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake — another comforting recipe perfect for holiday mornings.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make perfect Danish Spritz Cookies, gather the following:

• Electric hand or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie press or piping bag with a star nozzle
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

A cookie press is the traditional choice for Spritz Butter Cookies. It’s what gives them their classic, defined shapes that make them so recognizable in Christmas cookie assortments.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Spritz Butter Cookies

This recipe follows the authentic method while keeping it approachable for home bakers.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until pale, light, and creamy — about 2–3 minutes. This step is essential for achieving that signature crisp-yet-tender texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly glossy.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable but not sticky — soft enough to press through a cookie press.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Load the dough into your cookie press. Press cookies onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. If you don’t have a press, you can use a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

Step 6: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep a close eye — these cookies bake quickly!

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, you can dip them halfway into melted chocolate and top with festive sprinkles or crushed nuts.

For an extra dose of holiday inspiration, check out our Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles — another make-ahead dessert that’s perfect for gifting.

Save

Baking Tips for Perfect Danish Spritz Cookies

1. Use room-temperature butter — not melted or cold. It gives the perfect pressable consistency.
2. Don’t chill the dough before pressing; it should be soft enough to squeeze easily.
3. Avoid overmixing — this toughens the cookies.
4. Grease-free baking sheets help the cookies stick slightly during pressing for better shape definition.
5. Decorate before baking if you’re adding colored sugar or sprinkles so they adhere well.

These are the same precision-focused tips that make recipes like our Cinnamon Roll Cookies turn out bakery-perfect every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Too much flour: Makes cookies dry or crumbly. Measure carefully.
• Cold butter: Won’t mix smoothly and can cause the dough to break.
• Overbaking: The cookies should stay pale with only slightly golden edges.
• Using hot baking sheets: Cool them between batches for even results.

Spritz Cookie Variations and Ideas

You can customize your Spritz Cookie Recipe for Christmas in so many fun ways! Here are a few ideas:

• Chocolate-Dipped Spritz: Dip ends in melted dark or white chocolate.
• Spiced Spritz: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm flavor.
• Almond Spritz: Replace vanilla with almond extract and add finely ground almonds.
• Sandwich Spritz Cookies: Press two cookies together with jam or chocolate ganache.
• Holiday Shapes: Use wreath, tree, or star-shaped discs in your cookie press.

They’re perfect to include in cookie tins alongside Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies or Apple Fritter Donuts.

Decorating & Presentation for Christmas Cookie Tins

Presentation is key when gifting these buttery gems. Once cooled, arrange them in layers between parchment paper in decorative tins. You can alternate shapes and colors for a festive look.

Add a small ribbon or label on the tin for a personal touch. These cookies stay fresh for weeks, making them ideal for holiday spritz cookies or edible gifts.

If you’re planning a larger assortment, include other festive treats like Pumpkin Fluff Dip or Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pancakes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Traditional German Butter Cookies with:

• Hot cocoa or tea
• Warm coffee after Christmas dinner
• A cozy brunch spread with pastries and fruits

They’re also perfect to enjoy after a festive dinner with lighter desserts like Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl.

Storing and Freezing Spritz Butter Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh and crisp:

• Store in an airtight tin at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
• Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze unbaked dough for up to 2 months; thaw before pressing and baking.

Baked cookies can also be frozen — just layer them carefully in a sealed container.

Save

Spritz Cookie FAQs

1. Why is my dough too stiff for the cookie press?
It may be too cold or have too much flour. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes and try again.

2. Can I make these without a cookie press?
Yes! Use a piping bag with a large star nozzle to pipe the dough onto baking sheets.

3. How do I get the best shapes?
Hold the press firmly against the baking sheet, then lift straight up after pressing.

4. Can I add food coloring?
Yes — divide the dough and color sections for festive red, green, or white cookies.

Notes and Expert Tips for Spritz Cookie Success

• Always use real butter for the authentic flavor and crisp texture.
• Test one cookie before baking a full tray to ensure perfect shape and bake time.
• Keep your cookie press clean — dried dough can affect designs.
• If decorating post-bake, make sure cookies are fully cooled before dipping or icing.

German vs. Danish Butter Cookies: What’s the Difference?

Both cookies share a similar base of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, but German Spritz Cookies are often piped or pressed, while Danish Butter Cookies (like those in the iconic blue tins) are typically shaped by hand or with a piping bag.

German versions tend to be a bit crisper and more intricately shaped, while Danish versions have a more tender crumb. Either way, both are equally delicious additions to your holiday baking list.

Conclusion: A Taste of Tradition in Every Bite

These Traditional German Butter Cookies are a celebration of simplicity, tradition, and togetherness. With every buttery bite, you’ll be reminded why these cookies have stood the test of time. Whether you’re filling holiday tins, baking with family, or gifting to friends, they’re guaranteed to spread warmth and joy.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out other festive favorites like Cinnamon Roll Cookies and Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies — perfect for rounding out your Christmas cookie collection.

Don’t forget to share this recipe and subscribe to Lyndy’s Kitchen for more timeless holiday baking ideas, cookie traditions, and cozy seasonal desserts.

Print