Autumn Spice Spritz Cookies

I have always loved the cozy feeling that comes with baking during the autumn months, and few treats capture that warmth better than spiced cookies. This year, I decided to revisit a classic favorite and give it a seasonal twist: Autumn Spice Spritz Cookies. The moment I mixed the dough and added the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, my kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of fall. Baking these cookies instantly transports me to crisp mornings, warm drinks, and the soft crunch of leaves underfoot.

What makes these cookies so special is how effortlessly they balance flavor and elegance. Each bite delivers a delicate crunch with just the right amount of sweetness, while the spiced undertones make them feel uniquely festive. You will love this recipe not only for its taste but also for its versatility. Spritz cookies are perfect for decorating for autumn gatherings, gifting to friends, or enjoying with a cozy cup of tea.

Another reason I adore this recipe is its adaptability. You can experiment with different shapes using a cookie press or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Even if you’re new to baking, the dough is easy to work with, and the results are always impressive. Whether you prefer a classic swirl, a festive tree shape, or a simple round, these cookies hold their shape beautifully during baking.

From an affordability perspective, this recipe is a winner. The ingredients are pantry staples: flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and a few simple spices. You don’t need any exotic or expensive items, and yet the result looks and tastes like a gourmet treat.

Ingredients for Autumn Spice Spritz Cookies:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg

  • ¼ tsp ground allspice

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Optional: colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration

How to Prepare Autumn Spice Spritz Cookies

Baking these cookies is a joyful process that fills your kitchen with the comforting scent of autumn spices. Follow these steps carefully to achieve perfectly shaped, flavorful cookies that everyone will enjoy.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven and prepare baking sheets:
    Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

  2. Mix dry ingredients:
    In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of allspice. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

  3. Cream butter and sugar:
    In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3–4 minutes.

  4. Incorporate egg and vanilla:
    Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure uniform consistency.

  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients:
    Gradually add the flour-spice mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a smooth dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cookies dense.

  6. Prepare the cookie press:
    Fit your cookie press with your preferred disk shape. Fill the press with dough, ensuring there are no air pockets to avoid uneven cookies.

  7. Pipe cookies onto baking sheets:
    Press the dough onto the prepared baking sheets in desired shapes. Leave about 1 inch of space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly during baking.

  8. Optional decoration:
    Sprinkle colored sugar or small sprinkles on top of the cookies before baking for a festive touch.

  9. Bake the cookies:
    Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Rotate the sheets halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

  10. Cool and store:
    Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for 2–3 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Once fully cooled, store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Quick and Easy Tips:

  • The dough can be refrigerated for 30 minutes if it becomes too soft to press.

  • Cookie presses work best with firm but pliable dough.

Customization Options:

  • Experiment with different spice blends such as pumpkin spice or ginger for seasonal variations.

  • Try drizzling with a simple icing glaze for a sweet finish.

  • Colored sugars can match seasonal themes, like orange and brown for autumn.

Popular with Everyone:

These cookies are always a hit at gatherings because they are visually appealing and melt in your mouth. Kids love pressing their favorite shapes, and adults enjoy the balance of sweet and spiced flavors.

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Autumn Spice Spritz Cookies

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Autumn Spice Spritz Cookies are a festive and flavorful treat that combines the crisp sweetness of classic spritz cookies with the warm, comforting spices of fall. Perfect for gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies are easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

  • Author: Lura Skye
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 12
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 36 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground allspice
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low speed until smooth dough forms.
  6. Fit cookie press with desired disk shape and fill with dough, ensuring no air pockets.
  7. Press dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 inch of space between cookies.
  8. Optionally, sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top.
  9. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden, rotating sheets halfway through.
  10. Cool on sheets for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Store in airtight container once fully cooled.

Notes

Dough can be refrigerated for 30 minutes if too soft.

Try different spice variations like pumpkin spice or ginger.

Decorate with icing or colored sugar for seasonal themes.

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FAQs – Autumn Spice Spritz Cookies

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to use with a cookie press.

2. Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely. After baking and cooling completely, place the cookies in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

3. Can I use a different type of butter?
Unsalted butter is recommended for the best flavor control, but you can use salted butter. Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.

4. Can I make these cookies without a cookie press?
Yes, you can shape the dough into small balls or use a piping bag with a star tip to create similar designs. The cookies may look slightly different but will taste the same.

5. How should I store the cookies?
Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze as mentioned above.

6. Can I adjust the spices?
Yes, feel free to increase or decrease cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice according to your preference. You can even add a pinch of cloves or ginger for extra warmth.

7. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Definitely. Their beautiful shapes and festive appearance make them perfect for gift boxes or holiday cookie exchanges.

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