Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe

Easy Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe: Sweet Buttery Bliss

Sweet memories often spark when baking chocolate spritz cookies in my kitchen.

Crisp edges and delicate shapes emerge from a classic press.

Butter-rich dough transforms into delightful bite-sized treats with minimal effort.

German baking traditions inspire these elegant little morsels that melt perfectly on your tongue.

Delicate chocolate notes dance through each carefully crafted cookie.

Kitchen tools like a cookie press make shaping these delights surprisingly simple.

You’ll adore how quickly these charming confections come together for any celebration.

Why Chocolate Spritz Cookies Are a Crowd-Pleaser

  • Speedy Chocolate Delight: Dive into a quick cookie-making adventure that transforms simple ingredients into irresistible chocolate spritz cookies in just a few simple steps.
  • Master Decorative Baking: Use a cookie press to create beautifully shaped cookies with intricate designs that will impress family and friends, making baking both fun and artistic.
  • Kid-Friendly Chocolate Treat: Perfect for baking with children, this recipe allows young helpers to participate in sprinkling chocolate decorations and enjoying the delicious results together.
  • Versatile Celebration Cookies: Ideal for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, gifting, or satisfying sudden sweet cravings with minimal preparation and maximum chocolate flavor.

What You’ll Need for Chocolate Spritz Cookies

Primary Ingredients:
  • Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the chocolate spritz cookies.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cookie dough.
  • Butter: Creates a tender, rich base that ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, crisp cookie texture.
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookie dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.
Finishing and Decorative Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Sprinkles, Powdered Sugar: Provide a decorative and sweet finishing touch to the chocolate spritz cookies.
  • Salt: Balances and elevates the sweet flavors in the cookie recipe.
  • Parchment Paper, Silicone Mat: Ensures easy cookie removal and prevents sticking during baking.

How to Pipe Chocolate Spritz Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift together the following ingredients in a medium bowl:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Salt

Ensure the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Whip Butter and Sugar

Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Continue until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Moisture and Flavor

Blend in egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Beat thoroughly until the ingredients are fully combined and create a silky, smooth texture.

Step 5: Create Chocolate Dough

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until a cohesive chocolate dough forms.

Step 6: Prepare Cookie Press

Load the chocolate dough into a cookie press fitted with your favorite decorative disk.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Press cookies directly onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the cookies about 1 inch apart to allow room for slight spreading.

Step 8: Add Sprinkle Topping

Generously sprinkle chocolate sprinkles over each unbaked cookie.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8-10 minutes. Look for edges that are slightly firm but not darkened.

Step 10: Initial Cooling

Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes.

Step 11: Complete Cooling

Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 12: Final Elegant Touch

Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a sophisticated finish.

Smart Tips for Pretty, Perfect Spritz

  • Master the Chocolate Spritz Technique: Chill butter for 10-15 minutes before creaming to achieve optimal softness and texture.
  • Prevent Crumbly Cookies: Ensure egg and butter are at room temperature for smoother, more consistent dough that presses easily.
  • Sprinkle Smart: Add chocolate sprinkles immediately after pressing cookies to help them adhere perfectly before baking.
  • Swap and Substitute: Replace cocoa powder with dark chocolate powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor profile.
  • Store with Care: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain crispness.

Fun Flavors for Chocolate Spritz Lovers

  • Mocha Espresso Spritz: Enhance the chocolate base by adding 1-2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a rich coffee flavor.
  • Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Mix finely chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts into the dough for added texture and nutty undertones.
  • Peppermint Chocolate Cookies: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract into the wet ingredients and top with crushed candy canes before baking.
  • Orange Chocolate Zest: Add fresh orange zest to the butter mixture and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings for a citrusy chocolate combination.

Best Pairings for Chocolate Spritz Cookies

  • Pair with Mocha Latte: Rich espresso blended with chocolate milk perfectly complements the chocolate spritz cookies' deep cocoa flavor, creating a decadent taste experience.
  • Match with Port Wine: Sweet, fortified port wine offers a luxurious contrast to the crisp cookie texture, enhancing the chocolate's depth and providing a sophisticated dessert pairing.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, creamy vanilla ice cream provides a cool counterpoint to the warm, buttery cookie, balancing the intense chocolate notes with its mild sweetness.
  • Enjoy with Raspberry Sorbet: Tart, bright raspberry sorbet cuts through the cookie's richness, delivering a refreshing palate cleanser that highlights the chocolate's complex profile.

Storing Chocolate Spritz the Simple Way

  • Place cooled chocolate spritz cookies in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring a consistent, dry environment away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
  • Seal cookies in an airtight container or zip-lock bag, protecting them from moisture and potential odors. Refrigerate for up to 7 days, maintaining their crisp texture and rich chocolate flavor. Allow cookies to reach room temperature before serving for optimal taste and crunch.
  • Arrange cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months.
  • What is a spritz cookie?

A traditional German butter cookie made by pressing dough through a cookie press to create intricate, decorative shapes with delicate textures.

  • Do I need a special tool to make these cookies?

Yes, a cookie press is essential to create the classic spritz cookie shape and design. Without it, you cannot achieve the traditional appearance.

  • Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before pressing and baking. Just let it soften slightly at room temperature before using the cookie press.

  • How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the cookie press?

Ensure your baking sheet is completely cool and ungreased. Use ungreased, room-temperature baking sheets for the best results when pressing the cookies.

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Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe

Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Delightful chocolate spritz cookies blend rich cocoa with buttery sweetness, creating a melt-in-your-mouth German holiday classic. Crisp edges and delicate chocolate flavor make these cookies an irresistible treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Decorative Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup chocolate sprinkles
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium bowl, ensuring a smooth, lump-free mixture.
  3. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed.
  4. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, beating until fully combined and creating a silky texture.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a cohesive chocolate dough forms.
  6. Load the dough into a cookie press fitted with your preferred decorative disk.
  7. Press cookies directly onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  8. Sprinkle chocolate sprinkles generously over each cookie before baking.
  9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are slightly firm but not darkened.
  10. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes.
  11. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. Once cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Check butter temperature: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for perfect cookie texture and easy pressing.
  • Master cookie press technique: Practice consistent pressure and angle to create uniform, beautifully shaped cookies.
  • Customize decorative options: Swap chocolate sprinkles with colored sugar, chopped nuts, or festive holiday sprinkles for variety.
  • Storage secret: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 35 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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