Name: Irresistibly Easy Traditional German Butter Cookies Made Right
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (or use salted butter); 1/2 cup Margarine (optional, for richer taste use all butter); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (or replace with brown sugar); 1 large Eggs (can substitute with flax eggs for vegan option); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (or almond extract for variation); 1/4 teaspoon Salt (omit if using salted butter); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (gluten-free blends are acceptable); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (ensure freshness); as needed Gel Food Coloring (use natural alternatives if preferred); as desired Colored Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Traditional German Butter Cookies Made Easy!

As the holiday season approaches and the air turns crisp, I find myself drawn into the kitchen, eager to fill my home with the warm, buttery aroma of baking cookies. This year, I’m excited to share my tried-and-true recipe for Traditional German Butter Cookies, affectionately known as Spritz Cookies. These delightful treats are not just cookies; they embody festive spirit and family togetherness, making them perfect for creating memories with loved ones.

Picture this: a colorful array of exquisitely shaped cookies that practically melt in your mouth! With the help of a cookie press, even the kids can join in the fun, expressing their creativity while shaping these tender morsels. With every bite, you’ll taste the spirit of tradition and joy, ensuring that these festive bites become a staple on your holiday dessert platter. So grab your apron and let’s bring a bit of German holiday magic into your home!

Why You’ll Love Traditional German Butter Cookies Made Easy!

Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe requires just a few straightforward steps, making it perfect even for novice bakers.
Fun for the Family: Involve your kids in the baking process! The cookie press allows them to unleash their creativity with fun shapes.
Buttery Goodness: These cookies are incredibly soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, combining the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
Festive Appeal: With colorful sprinkles and various shapes, they add a cheerful touch to your holiday spread, sure to impress guests.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough in advance and store it, allowing for easy baking whenever holiday cravings hit!

Traditional German Butter Cookies Ingredients

Make your baking simpler with these essentials!

For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted Butter – Provides the rich, creamy flavor; swap for salted butter but omit extra salt.
• Margarine – Adds moisture to the dough; for a richer taste, feel free to use all butter instead.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and helps achieve that delicate texture; consider using brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Eggs – Binds everything together; substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.
• Vanilla Extract – Elevates the overall flavor; almond extract is a lovely alternative if you’d like a twist.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness; skip if using salted butter.
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cookies; gluten-free flour blends work as a suitable substitute.
• Baking Powder – Responsible for those delightful little lifts; ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.

For the Color and Decor
• Gel Food Coloring – Great for adding fun colors to your dough; use natural alternatives for a healthier flair.
• Colored Sprinkles – Optional but fun, these create a festive touch that everyone will love!

How to Make Traditional German Butter Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Starting at the right temperature ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
Mix softened butter and margarine together in a large bowl using an electric mixer until fluffy. This will create a light and airy base for your cookies, about 2-3 minutes.
Add granulated sugar gradually while alternating with eggs, mixing well after each addition. The mixture should become smooth and creamy—this is what gives the cookies their tender texture.
Whisk in a separate bowl the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry blend to the butter mixture, folding gently to avoid overmixing, until just combined.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This step will help the dough firm up, which is essential for shaping the cookies later. You can chill your baking sheets at the same time to keep the cookies from spreading.
Fill your cookie press with the chilled dough and press out shapes onto ungreased baking sheets. The kids will love this part, as they can get creative with the designs!
Sprinkle with your choice of colored sprinkles or extra sugar for a festive touch before baking. This adds a delightful pop of color and sweetness!
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake, as the goal is a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.

Optional: Serve with hot cocoa or coffee for a delightful treat this holiday season.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations & Substitutions of Traditional German Butter Cookies Made Easy!

Unleash your inner baker and customize these delicious cookies to suit your taste buds!

Flavor Boost: Add lemon or almond extract instead of vanilla for a zesty twist. This subtle change can elevate your cookie game to a whole new level.
Festive Colors: Incorporate different colored sprinkles or edible glitter for a holiday cheer that won’t go unnoticed. These bright touches make the cookies visually stunning!
Crunch Factor: Stir in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for delightful texture surprises in every bite. The contrast of soft dough with crunchy add-ins creates a beautiful harmony.
Vegan Delight: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free margarine for a tasty vegan version that everyone can enjoy. These cookies will be just as soft, buttery, and delicious!
Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The cookies will still taste delightful, allowing everyone to indulge in this classic treat.
Spiced Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm winter spice that bursts with seasonal flavor. It’s a subtle enhancement that pairs beautifully with your holiday beverages.
Decadent Chocolate: Dip half of each cookie in dark chocolate after baking for a rich, indulgent treat that takes these traditional cookies to new heights. The combination is heavenly!
Heat it Up: Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder for adventurous souls who enjoy a spicy kick. It adds an interesting layer of flavor that contrasts with the sweet buttery goodness.

These variations not only cater to different tastes and dietary needs, but also invite creativity into your kitchen, making each batch a unique celebration!

What to Serve with Traditional German Butter Cookies?

Indulging in these buttery delights opens the door to a world of wonderful pairings that will uplift your holiday gatherings.

Hot Cocoa: A steaming mug of rich hot cocoa complements the sweet, buttery cookies, creating a warm, cozy treat perfect for chilly evenings.
Spiced Tea: The aromatic spices in chai or cinnamon tea enhance the cookie’s buttery flavor, providing a delightful contrast that warms the heart.
Festive Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of cookies, adding a burst of freshness to each bite.
Creamy Eggnog: This classic holiday drink’s creamy texture and nutmeg essence pair beautifully with the buttery richness of the cookies, evoking holiday cheer.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream serves as an indulgent side, melting gently against the warm cookies for a delightful texture contrast.
Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Serve the cookies with a warm chocolate sauce for dipping, turning each bite into a decadent treat that is sure to impress.
Sparkling Cider: An elegant glass of fizzy sparkling cider elevates the festive spirit and pairs wonderfully with the cookies’ sweetness.
Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites can provide a creamy contrast, making for a beautifully rounded dessert table filled with varied flavors and textures.

How to Store and Freeze Traditional German Butter Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days to maintain their soft texture and freshness.

Refrigerator: If you live in a humid climate, you may store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

Dough Storage: Prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use for your Traditional German Butter Cookies!

Make Ahead Options

These Traditional German Butter Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container, ensuring it remains fresh and flavorsome. For optimal shaping, chill your baking sheets alongside the dough. Alternatively, you can also bake the cookies before your holiday gatherings and store them at room temperature for up to 1 week. Just be sure to place a saltine cracker in the container to absorb moisture and keep them crisp. When you’re ready to serve, simply plate them up, and you’ll have delightful cookies that are just as delicious as when they were freshly baked!

Expert Tips for Traditional German Butter Cookies

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for easy blending. Cold butter can lead to uneven mixing.
Chill for Shape: Don’t skip chilling the dough and baking sheets; this helps the cookies maintain their beautifully pressed shapes without spreading too much.
Check Consistency: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it for a bit longer before using the cookie press for best results.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just enough to combine the flour mixture into the dough—overworking it can create tough cookies instead of the desired soft and buttery texture.
Storage Secrets: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container with a saltine cracker. This absorbs moisture and prolongs their delightful crispness.

Traditional German Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs

What kind of butter should I use for these cookies?
For the best flavor, I recommend using unsalted butter as it provides a rich, creamy taste without the added salt. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it—just omit any additional salt from the recipe.

How should I store the finished cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. This helps maintain their soft texture. If you live in a humid area, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!

Can I freeze the dough or the cookies?
Absolutely! For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Simply lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. If freezing the dough, it’s best to shape it into logs, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before using.

What do I do if my dough is too soft to press?
If you’re finding that your dough is too soft and sticky to shape, simply pop it in the refrigerator for another 15-30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle. Remember, maintaining the right consistency is key to achieving those beautiful shapes!

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes, if you have dietary restrictions, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs for a vegan option and use gluten-free flour blends instead of all-purpose flour. Always double-check the ingredients in the sprinkles and food coloring to avoid allergens.

Can I customize these cookies?
Very! You can easily customize your Traditional German Butter Cookies by adding different extracts, such as almond or lemon, for a unique flavor twist. Feel free to include colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch!