‘Tis the season for Christmas cookies and I’ve got a family favorite for you today! If I don’t make Spritz cookies at Christmas, it just doesn’t feel right somehow. They are really fast and really fun to make too, making these the perfect cookies to bake with your little ones! Have you ever made these traditional German cookies? Keep reading for their history and how to make them!

the sweet history behind spritz cookies

If you’ve ever bitten into a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth Spritz cookie, you know it’s a holiday tradition worth savoring! These simple, dainty cookies have been a major part of Christmas baking for centuries, with a rich history that adds a little extra sweetness to each bite. But how did these little cookies come to be such a classic? Let’s explore the delicious history of Spritz cookies, a traditional German Christmas cookie.

where it all began

Spritz cookies have their roots in Europe, specifically in Germany and Scandinavia. The name “Spritz” is derived from the German word spritzen, meaning “to squirt,” which refers to the technique of pushing dough through a cookie press to create intricate shapes. Meanwhile, in Sweden, there’s a similar cookie called spritsar, also named for the pressing or piping method used to shape the dough. These cookies became popular not only because of their festive shapes and delicious flavor but also because they use simple ingredients that were easily available.

ingredients and tradition

One reason Spritz cookies became so beloved is their simplicity. At their core, Spritz cookies are made with just a few basic ingredients: butter, sugar, flour, and eggs. Traditionally, the dough is flavored with vanilla or almond extract for a light, fragrant taste. This simplicity made them an easy and affordable treat to prepare, even during times when other sweets might have been out of reach.

how the simple spritz cookie came to America

Spritz cookies made their way to the United States with German and Scandinavian immigrants in the 19th and early 20th centuries. As these families settled in America, they brought their traditions with them, and baking Spritz cookies during the holidays became one of them. During the mid-20th century, cookie presses became more widely available in America, allowing families to make traditional Spritz cookies with ease. These presses, often handed down from generation to generation, helped preserve the Spritz cookie tradition, creating memories of family baking sessions and holiday joy.

a cookie tradition worth celebrating

Today, Spritz cookies are as popular as ever, with countless variations. Some bakers stick to the classic vanilla or almond flavor, while others add festive colors or decorate their cookies with sprinkles. No matter how you choose to make them, Spritz cookies are a nostalgic, delicious way to celebrate the season.

| Read: The Best Christmas Cookies Roundup |

making spritz cookies at home

There are lots of recipes out there for Spritz cookies, and most of them are pretty close to the one my family has used for decades. Of course, you can always go hunting for variants, but this traditional version is so buttery and delicious, why mess with perfection? Print out the recipe, gather your ingredients, and we’re ready to begin! If you don’t have a cookie press it’s ok, click on the link below to order one quickly from Amazon! You can get a manual one or electric one, I’ve used both types and either will do the trick!

Once your dough is ready and your press is filled, then the real fun begins! Your kids will probably fight over who gets to use the cookie press. You really want to make sure when you bake them they don’t brown. They’ll even look a little undone when you take them out, but they’re not! They’re totally cooked to a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth-with-a-slight-crunch perfection.

Have you ever tried or made spritz cookies before?

Find more easy Christmas cookie recipes on Pinterest!