Autumn Spice Spritz Cookies – Warm, Buttery & Perfectly Spiced for Fall

Autumn Spice Spritz Cookies – Warm, Buttery & Perfectly Spiced for Fall

These Autumn Spice Spritz Cookies capture the cozy essence of fall in every buttery, melt-in-your-mouth bite. Spritz cookies are known for their delicate texture and beautiful shapes — but when infused with warm autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, they become a perfect seasonal twist on the classic holiday treat. These cookies are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, lightly sweet, and bursting with comforting spice. Their beautiful shapes (made with a cookie press) make them ideal for gifting, fall baking, Thanksgiving dessert trays, or simply enjoying with a warm mug of tea, cider, or coffee. Simple, elegant, and irresistibly cozy — these cookies bring the warm flavors of fall straight to your kitchen.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Servings: 20 Cookies

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 cup 226 g unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Optional: orange zest or maple extract for deeper fall flavor

Equipment

Cookie press
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Baking sheets (ungreased)
Cooling rack
Measuring spoons & cups

Method

Step 1: Cream Butter & Sugar

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Beat softened butter and sugar for 2–3 minutes until fluffy and pale.

Step 2: Add Egg & Flavorings

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and optional orange zest or maple extract.
Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
flour
baking powder
salt
cinnamon
nutmeg
ginger
cloves
Gradually add dry mixture to the wet mixture.
Mix until a soft dough forms — it should be pliable and not sticky.

Step 4: Press the Cookies

Fill your cookie press with dough.
Press cookies directly onto ungreased cold baking sheets.
(Do NOT line with parchment — dough needs to cling to the metal.)
Create autumn-themed shapes like pumpkins, leaves, acorns, or swirls.

Step 5: Bake

Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature: 1–2 weeks in airtight tin
Freezer: 2 months (baked cookies)

Spritz cookies stay crisp and buttery for days — perfect for gifting!

🥄 Variations

Maple Spritz Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon maple extract.

Pumpkin Spice Spritz: Replace spices with pumpkin spice blend.

Brown Sugar Spritz: Use half brown sugar for caramel depth.

Cider Glaze: Drizzle with apple cider icing.

Vanilla Bean Fall Cookies: Add vanilla bean paste.

Chai Spice Blend: Add cardamom + extra ginger.

Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half the cookie in white or dark chocolate.

Sugared Tops: Sprinkle turbinado sugar before baking.

Nutty Version: Add finely ground pecans or walnuts.

Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

❓ 10 FAQs

Why won’t the cookies stick to the pan?
Use an ungreased, unlined baking sheet — essential for spritz cookies.

Can I chill the dough?
No — spritz dough must be soft enough for the press.

Can I use parchment paper?
No — dough won’t release properly.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
Butter was too warm — chill dough briefly if needed.

Can I add food coloring?
Yes — fall colors like orange or yellow look beautiful.

What spices work best?
Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves are classic.

Can I freeze the dough?
Not recommended — freezing alters texture for pressing.

How do I clean the cookie press?
Warm water + mild soap — dry completely before next use.

Can I make these without a cookie press?
Roll into balls and flatten with a fork — still delicious.

Can I use other jams or fillings?
Spritz cookies are best plain or lightly glazed.

🏁 Conclusion

These Autumn Spice Spritz Cookies combine the warmth of fall spices with the buttery delicacy of traditional spritz cookies, creating a treat that’s festive, flavorful, and beautifully simple. With their crisp edges, tender centers, and cozy seasonal aroma, they bring pure autumn comfort to every bite.

Perfect for holiday hosting, Thanksgiving dessert trays, fall baking days, or gifting to friends and family — these cookies are a celebration of everything we love about the season.