A holiday favorite, spritz cookies are buttery and simple.

These iconic cookies are extruded from a cookie press, then topped with sanding sugar for some shine.

Learn how to make spritz cookies.

Southern Living Spritz Cookies on a platter ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

(Yes, you heard that right.)

Whether or not you have a cookie press, you’re free to still make spritz cookies.

Pipe dough into desired shapes, including S-shapes, rosettes, rings, and more.

Southern Living Spritz Cookies ingredients

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Freeze for 10 minutes before baking to help the cookies keep their shape.

you’re free to also freeze the cookies for up to three months for longer storage.

Stack cookies between layers of parchment paper if needed to keep their decorations intact.

Southern Living Spritz Cookies beating together the butter and sugar

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

They’ll thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to serve.

Add egg yolks, almond extract, and vanilla.

Beat until well incorporated, about 1 minute.

Southern Living Spritz Cookies stirring together the dry ingredients

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In a separate bowl, stir together flour and salt.

Add to butter mixture, and beat on low speed until just combined, about 1 1/2 minutes.

Chill, covered, until set and cold, about 30 minutes.

Southern Living Spritz Cookies adding the flour mixture to the cookie dough

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Repeat process with remaining dough.

Sprinkle cookies evenly with sanding sugar.

Let cool on baking sheets 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack.

Southern Living Spritz Cookies pressing the cookies onto the baking sheet and sprinkling with sugar

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Let cool completely, about 15 minutes.

Southern Living Spritz Cookies on the baking sheet after baking

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Spritz Cookies cooling on the cooling rack

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox