You’re going to love this recipe for Old-Fashioned Italian Cookies made using a cookie press, creating delicate, buttery treats perfect for dunking in coffee or tea.
It’s a true classic spritz Christmas Cookie that feels like stepping back into your grandmother’s or mother’s kitchen.
The fun shapes bring back memories of decorating them during the holidays, with the sweet smell filling the house and creating warm, lasting family traditions.
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Few things smell better than homemade cookies baking in the oven, and these Old-Fashioned Italian Spritz Cookies are a true classic. Dating back to 16th-century Italy, they’ve been a holiday favorite for generations.
With endless variations—almond, peppermint, or vanilla extract, plus optional chocolate chips or nuts—you can easily make them your own.
However you flavor them, these spritz cookies are a holiday favorite everyone loves receiving in their Christmas cookie trays and gift baskets.
Looking for more Italian-inspired Easy Cookie Recipes? Try my mom's Italian Christmas Cookies and Italian Christmas Tree Cookies.
Table of Contents
Italian Cookie Press
These Old Fashioned Italian Cookies were made using a Wilton cookie press, which works much like a traditional Italian cookie press. It creates perfectly shaped cookies with the same classic look and texture found in authentic Italian baking.
Here are some tips for using it:
- Make sure your dough is stiff enough to hold its shape when you pipe it from the cookie press. If it's too soft, add more flour until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If your dough is too thick, add a little bit of water until it's easy to pipe.
- Use a light touch when pressing the dough through the cookie press - too much pressure will make the cookies tough.
- Make sure the cookies are well-separated on the baking sheet, or they'll fuse together in the oven.
- Watch the cookies closely as they bake. Because they are delicate cookies, they will bake fast.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
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Main Ingredients Needed
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!
Substitutions and Variations
- Flavoring Swap: Instead of almond extract, try different flavorings like peppermint, vanilla, or even lemon extract.
- Mix-Ins: Add mini chocolate chips or finely crushed nuts to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Nut Center: Replace the candied cherries with pecans, almonds, or walnuts for a crunchy center.
- Jam Filling: Add a small dollop of raspberry, apricot, or strawberry jam to the center of some cookies.
- Glaze Topping: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled cookies for a sweet finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section includes step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, powdered sugar, and egg until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Mix in the almond extract, which adds a warm, nutty flavor that’s classic in traditional Italian cookies.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt and flour.
Step 4: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
Shaping and Decorating the Cookies
Step 5: Form the dough into a log, load small amounts into the cookie press.
Step 6: Press shapes directly onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Step 7: Decorate with sprinkles or cherries, then chill for 30 minutes before baking.
Baking Instructions
Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies should be light colored and slightly brown around the edges. Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to completely cool.
Before You Begin!
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Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
Want to make this recipe even better? Don’t miss my favorite tips below for boosting flavor, perfecting texture, and saving time in the kitchen!
✅ Do: Chill the pressed cookies for 30 minutes before baking to help them keep their shape.
❌ DO NOT: Use parchment paper or non-stick spray—press the dough directly onto an ungreased baking sheet for best results.
How to Store, Freeze, and Thaw Christmas Cookies
Refrigerate: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Freezer: Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Thawing Tips: Remove cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, warm them in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes before serving.
📖 Recipe Card
Old Fashioned Italian Cookies
Video
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Candied Cherries for baking
- Christmas sprinkles
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter with the powdered sugar.
- Add the egg and almond extract.
- Combine the salt with the flour in another bowl. Then slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture.
- Form the dough into a log and then place some of the dough into a cookie press; a little at a time.
- Following the directions of your cookie press, press out the cookie forms directly onto the cookie sheet. Do not use any parchment paper or any non-stick baking spray on top of the baking sheet.
- Decorated the cookies with either sprinkles or cherries.
- Chill the cookies for 30 minutes before baking.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies should be light colored and slightly brown around the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to completely cool.
Nutrition
Notes
- Ensure the dough is firm enough to hold its shape when pressed. If it’s too soft, mix in a little extra flour.
- If the dough feels too thick, add a small amount of water to make it easier to press.
- Apply gentle, even pressure when using the cookie press to keep the cookies light and tender.
- Space the cookies apart on the baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together while baking.
- Keep an eye on them in the oven—these cookies bake quickly due to their thin shape.
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