Vanilla Bean Spritz Cookies

Dreaming of melt-in-your-mouth spritz cookies? My Vanilla Bean Spritz are buttery perfection! Easy to make with a cookie press. Get my top tips!

May 21, 2025
By Nadia Rivers.

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that craving for a cookie that just melts in your mouth? these vanilla bean spritz cookies are it .

Buttery, delicate, and with a hint of vanilla bean – they're basically christmas in every bite.

Brief Overview

These little stars are scandinavian in origin, traditionally made with a cookie press. while not super complicated, getting the hang of the cookie press takes a little practice.

This recipe is medium difficulty and takes about an hour and a half, yielding around 48 cookies.

Main Benefits

These cookies are lower in calories than many other boozy drinks and holiday treats. they're perfect for a christmas cookie exchange or just a cozy night in with hot cocoa.

Honestly? what makes them special is that hit of real vanilla bean. it just elevates them. now, let's talk ingredients.

Vanilla Bean Spritz Cookies Recipe Card

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Preparation time:90 Mins

Cooking time:10 Mins

Servings:48 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (226g)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (281g)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Colored sprinkles (optional)
• Coarse sugar (optional)

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean seeds until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). This is essential!
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Load the cookie press with the chilled dough.
• Press cookies directly onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie. This is how you make spritz cookies.
• If desired, sprinkle with colored sprinkles or coarse sugar before baking.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
• Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

What You'll Need to Make These Amazing Cookies

Okay, you know me, I like to keep things simple. But sometimes, a few key ingredients make all the difference. Here's what you'll need for these Vanilla Bean Spritz Cocktail Recipes :

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened. You know, the good stuff! (226g)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g). Don't skimp!
• 1 large egg. Because, you know, eggs.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The real deal, not imitation!
• 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped. Trust me on this one.
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (281g). The backbone.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder. For that little oomph .
• ¼ teaspoon salt. Balances everything out.
• Optional: Sprinkles or coarse sugar. For that festive touch.

Essential Equipment: Gear Up for Cookie Greatness!

Alright, let's talk tools. You'll need:

• Cookie press (or piping bag with a large star tip). This is key for the classic shape.
• Baking sheets. Gotta have 'em.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Makes cleanup a breeze.
• Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer). For creaming that butter and sugar.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Accuracy is your friend!
• Spatula. For scraping the bowl clean. Because who wants to waste cookie dough?

Let’s bake the best Spritz Recipe in town

Now, before you grab those ingredients, let’s take a little deep dive into baking these delights to make your life easier in the kitchen.

Step-by-Step to Spritz Cocktail cookie perfection

Ready to bake some magic? Let's do this!

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Spritz Cookie Adventure!

Okay, so you wanna make these vanilla bean spritz cookies ? awesome! they're kinda like the ballerinas of the cookie world, all fancy and delicate.

Don't sweat it if you've never made them before. honestly, after a few batches, you'll be a pro. just follow my lead, and we'll get there.

Main Ingredients: The Cookie Dream Team

• Softened unsalted butter: 1 cup (226g) . Think of it as room temp, not melted. You want it creamy, ya know? Soft enough that your finger leaves an indent, but not oily.
• Granulated sugar: ¾ cup (150g) . Plain ol' white sugar.
• Egg: 1 large one.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon . Splurge on the good stuff if you can.
• Vanilla bean: 1 . We're talking scraped seeds here! Split the pod and scrape 'em out with a knife. Oh my gosh, the aroma!
• All-purpose flour: 2 ¼ cups (281g) . Don't pack it too tight when measuring.
• Baking powder: ½ teaspoon .
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon .
• Sprinkles/coarse sugar: For decorating. Get creative!

Quality Check: For the butter, European-style butter has a higher fat content, making for an even more tender cookie. Trust me, it's worth it!

Seasoning Notes: Aromatic Magic

Vanilla is the star here. its the key to achieving aromatic cookies. but a little almond extract? oh yeah, that’s a winning combo.

Or a dash of lemon zest! it'll brighten things up. don't overdo it , though. we want vanilla to shine.

If you don't have a vanilla bean, just use a bit more vanilla extract. like, double it. no biggie.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

• Cookie press or piping bag. This is what makes them Spritz Cookies , duh!
• Baking sheets.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Seriously, don't skip this. Makes cleanup a breeze.
• Electric mixer. Stand or hand-held, whatever you got.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Spatula.

Household Hack: No cookie press? Try a heavy-duty zip-top bag and snip off a corner. Then, use a piping tip. It's not exactly the same, but it works!

Okay, that's all you need for making delicious spritz recipes . before you know it you will be having your own boozy drinks .

Just kidding! you will be making the most amazing italian cocktails and shake drink to pair these amazing cookies.

I still remember the first time my grandma made these. her aperol spritz recipe was as perfect then as she is now.

She taught me that the key is chilling the dough and letting the oven do its job. i hope you enjoy this refreshing cocktail and these cookies as much as i do.

Let's get baking.

Okay, let's dive into making some vanilla bean spritz cookies . these are seriously the cutest holiday treat. you know? it is like a little buttery cloud that just melts in your mouth.

They're kinda fancy, but not too hard. promise!

Cranking out the Cookies: Prep is Key

Gather Your Goodies: The Mise en Place

First things first, let's get everything ready. honestly, this is the most important step. it’s called mise en place . i know, fancy french, right? make sure your butter is soft.

Like, really soft, not melted. get your sugar, egg, vanilla, flour, baking powder, and salt all lined up. don't forget the vanilla bean!

Pro Tip: Organize Like a Pro

Measure out all your ingredients before you start. This saves SO much time. Plus, you're less likely to forget something. Nobody wants sad, flat cookies because they forgot the baking powder.

Spritz Cookie Creation: Step-by-Step

1. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Seriously, like a cloud.
2. Add the egg, vanilla, and vanilla bean seeds. Mix well.
3. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet. Don't overmix!
5. Wrap the dough and chill for at least 1 hour . This is crucial.
6. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Load your cookie press.
7. Press cookies onto baking sheets.
8. Bake for 8- 10 minutes . Edges should be lightly golden.
9. Cool and enjoy!

Spritz Cookie Hacks: Level Up Your Baking

Chill Out: The Cold Truth

The biggest mistake? Not chilling the dough long enough. Seriously, don’t skip this. Cold dough holds its shape better. We don't want flat, shapeless cookies!

Spritz dough and Italian Cocktails: Don't Overbake!

Overbaked cookies are dry. nobody wants dry cookies. take them out when the edges are just turning golden. they'll firm up as they cool.

So, the key here is to bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden, then put some ice in a nice glass and make a spritz cocktail recipe .

Make-Ahead Magic for a Refreshing Cocktail

You can make the dough ahead of time! keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days . or freeze it for even longer.

Just let it thaw before using. i like to pair these with boozy drinks , maybe some italian cocktails . these cookies and a spritz would be a perfect summer treat.

Speaking of spritz cocktail , that's a mixed drinks recipes i could get behind.

Now you're ready to bake these cookies! These simple things can make your life so much easier! Honestly, they are a crowd-pleaser every time! For me, there is not one Spritz Recipe that will ever displease me, especially during the holidays! I also love a good Aperol Spritz Recipe at any time of the year! I wonder, what are your favourite Spritz Cocktail Recipes ?

Alright, let's talk vanilla bean spritz cookies ! they're seriously the cutest little buttery bites ever. plus, the vanilla bean just kicks up the flavor.

Okay, so you've got your cookies baked and cooled. now what? here are some tips to make the most of these little guys.

Recipe Notes: Elevate Your Spritz Game

Serving Suggestions: Pretty Plates & Perfect Pairings

Presentation matters, right? these cookies are already adorable. you know, dust them with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. or, layer them on a pretty platter with other holiday treats.

They look amazing served with a steaming mug of hot chocolate! you could even get fancy and use them to garnish a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

I've also enjoyed these alongside a spritz cocktail myself - they are also perfect with a glass of milk or eggnog.

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!

Honestly, these never last long at my house. but, if you're not planning to devour them right away, here's the deal.

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. they'll stay good for up to 5 days. need longer storage? you can freeze them! layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.

They’ll be good for up to 2 months. to thaw, just leave them at room temperature for a few hours.

To keep them looking fresh, just put some italian cocktails on the table!

Variations: Swap It Up!

Want to get a little crazy? try adding ½ teaspoon of almond extract. it gives them a yummy nutty twist! for chocolate lovers, mix 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the dry ingredients, you may want to try some mixed drinks recipes .

And, if you need a gluten-free option, use a good quality gluten-free flour blend. it's a fun way to adapt the classic to your needs.

For a vegan adaptation, aquafaba can be tried but it will affect the consistency and the final product will not be the same, it's better to find another cookie recipe if there are severe egg allergies.

Nutrition Basics: Sweet Treats in Moderation

Okay, let's be real: these are cookies! each one is about 75 calories. they have 1g of protein, 4g of fat, 8g of carbs, and 4g of sugar.

Remember, everything in moderation. but, these are a great little pick-me-up for the holidays. remember to enjoy boozy drinks with friends.

So there you have it! everything you need to make these refreshing cocktail spritz cocktail recipes your own. don't be scared to experiment, and most importantly, have fun.

Now go forth and bake some cookie magic. you got this! and maybe afterwards you can try a shake drink ! you should search for the perfect aperol spritz recipe and see how it complements!