Delicate Spritz Cookies Fan

Featured in: Sweet Spots

These delicate spritz cookies combine softened butter, sugar, and vanilla to create a tender dough pressed into overlapping fan shapes. Each batch bakes to a golden edge in about ten minutes, delivering buttery bites with a festive presentation. Optional almond extract and chocolate drizzle add subtle depth and decoration. Layered gently for display, these treats pair wonderfully with coffee or tea and keep fresh for up to a week when stored properly.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:07:00 GMT
Beautifully arranged spritz cookies layered in fan shapes, ready for a festive holiday cookie tray. Save
Beautifully arranged spritz cookies layered in fan shapes, ready for a festive holiday cookie tray. | tastychuck.com

Delicate, buttery spritz cookies arranged in a beautiful layered fan shape—perfect for the holidays and a festive addition to any cookie tray.

This recipe has been a holiday favorite in my family for years and always impresses guests with its unique layered fan shape.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter: softened
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar:
  • 1 large egg: room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract:
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract: optional
  • 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour:
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt:
  • Colored sanding sugar or sprinkles: for decoration
  • 2 oz (60 g) dark or white chocolate: melted, optional for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or leave ungreased if using a nonstick sheet.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 3 minutes.
Step 3:
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
Step 4:
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
Step 5:
Fit a cookie press with a fan or star-shaped disc. Fill the press with dough.
Step 6:
Press cookies directly onto the baking sheets, forming fans by overlapping slightly at the base arrange 3 4 cookies in a fanned layer for each cluster.
Step 7:
Sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles if desired.
Step 8:
Bake for 9 11 minutes until the edges are just turning golden.
Step 9:
Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10:
Once cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate if desired and let set before serving.
Golden, buttery spritz cookies, freshly baked and sprinkled with colorful sugar, are ideal for dessert. Save
Golden, buttery spritz cookies, freshly baked and sprinkled with colorful sugar, are ideal for dessert. | tastychuck.com

My family gathers every holiday season to make these cookies together, creating lasting memories while enjoying the delicious results.

Notes

To create layered fans, overlap cookies at their base before baking. Pairs well with coffee, tea, or dessert wine.

Required Tools

Electric mixer, mixing bowls, cookie press with fan or star-shaped disc, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), egg, milk (butter), and possible tree nuts if almond extract is used. Decorations may contain additional allergens check labels.

A plate of homemade spritz cookies, intricately shaped by a cookie press, offers holiday cheer. Save
A plate of homemade spritz cookies, intricately shaped by a cookie press, offers holiday cheer. | tastychuck.com

Enjoy these spritz cookies as a festive treat that delights both the eyes and the palate.

Recipe Guide

What gives spritz cookies their tender texture?

The tender texture comes from creaming softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, then gently incorporating egg and vanilla before adding flour.

How do I achieve the layered fan shape with these cookies?

Press cookie dough directly onto baking sheets using a fan or star-shaped disc, then overlap 3–4 cookies slightly at their base to form each fan cluster before baking.

Can I customize the flavorings in the dough?

Yes, adding vanilla extract is standard, and almond extract can be included optionally for a subtle nutty hint.

What decorations work well for these spritz cookies?

Colored sanding sugar or sprinkles add festive color, while melted dark or white chocolate can be drizzled on cooled cookies for extra appeal.

How should I store these cookies after baking?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve freshness for up to one week.

Delicate Spritz Cookies Fan

Buttery spritz cookies formed in elegant layered fans, ideal for festive gatherings and dessert plates.

Prep duration
25 min
Heat time
10 min
Full duration
35 min
Created by Chuck Harrison

Style Sweet Spots

Skill level Medium

Heritage German-American

Output 36 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-free

What you'll need

Cookie Dough

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 1 large egg, room temperature
04 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
05 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
06 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
07 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Decoration

01 Colored sanding sugar or sprinkles
02 2 ounces dark or white chocolate, melted (optional)

Method

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 350°F and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper or leave ungreased if using nonstick sheets.

Phase 02

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

Phase 03

Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if desired; beat until the mixture is uniform.

Phase 04

Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and sea salt, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.

Phase 05

Prepare Cookie Press: Fit the cookie press with a fan or star-shaped disc and fill it with the prepared dough.

Phase 06

Form Cookies: Press the dough directly onto the baking sheets, arranging 3 to 4 cookies overlapping slightly at the base to create layered fans.

Phase 07

Add Decorations: Sprinkle colored sanding sugar or sprinkles over the shaped dough as desired.

Phase 08

Bake: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.

Phase 09

Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Phase 10

Decorate Chocolate: Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies if desired, and allow to set before serving.

Kitchen tools

  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cookie press with fan or star-shaped disc
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper (optional)
  • Wire rack

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains wheat (gluten), egg, dairy (butter), and may contain tree nuts if almond extract is used.
  • Decorations may contain additional allergens; verify ingredient labels.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 80
  • Fats: 4.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Proteins: 1 g