If you are searching for a delicious and festive treat that’s also mindful of gluten sensitivities, this Chocolate Spritz Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe is a total game-changer. These cookies are delightfully rich with cocoa flavor, tender in texture, and perfectly shaped with a cookie press to bring that charming classic look you love. Best of all, they come together quickly and easily, baking up in just minutes for a snack that’s both impressive and irresistibly addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun with this recipe! Each element works in harmony to create the soft, chocolatey, and buttery essence these spritz cookies are known for, while keeping everything gluten-free and simple.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 226 grams, room temperature): The creamy base provides the tender crumb and richness essential to spritz cookies.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup / 200 grams): Adds just the right amount of sweetness for a perfectly balanced bite.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds the dough together, giving it structure and moisture.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon / 4 grams): Enhances the chocolate flavor with a warm and inviting aroma.
- Gluten-Free Flour blend (2¼ cups / 333 grams): This keeps the cookies light and tender while ensuring they are safe for gluten-free diets.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (⅓ cup / 28 grams): Brings that rich, deep chocolate flavor that defines these uniquely delicious spritz cookies.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Just enough salt to elevate all the sweet and chocolatey notes perfectly.
- White pearl sprinkles (optional): For that festive and sparkling finishing touch.
How to Make Chocolate Spritz Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures your oven will be ready to perfectly bake these delicate cookies as soon as your dough is prepared. Keeping the oven temperature just right is key to achieving that soft yet slightly crisp edge every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Adding the egg and vanilla next ensures that the dough will be smooth and rich, creating that melt-in-your-mouth softness spritz cookies are famous for.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Incorporate
Whisk together the gluten-free flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and kosher salt in a separate bowl to evenly distribute the cocoa and salt throughout the flour. Slowly mix this dry blend into the buttery mixture. The dough will come together smoothly and be perfect for pressing into shapes.
Step 4: Press the Cookies
Load your dough into the cookie press and follow your model’s instructions to press shapes directly onto a large, ungreased cookie sheet. Pro tip: Avoid greasing the cookie sheet because the dough needs a bit of “grip” to release clean, pretty shapes. If you like, sprinkle the tops with pearl sprinkles for a festive touch.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 5 to 7 minutes until they are set but still soft in the center. Overbaking can dry them out, so watch closely! When done, transfer the cookies gently to a wire rack to cool completely. Watching them cool while anticipating the first bite is half the fun.
How to Serve Chocolate Spritz Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a snowy finish that looks charming and tastes delicate. Alternatively, colored pearl sprinkles make these cookies pop at holiday gatherings or celebrations, perfect for gift packages or festive platters.
Side Dishes
These cookies are delightful alongside a cup of rich hot chocolate or creamy vanilla chai tea. The warm drink complements the chocolate flavor and adds comfort to your treat. They also pair well with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these spritz cookies in layered clear jars or decorative tins for presents. You can also stack them on a holiday cookie board or create edible cookie bouquets by inserting sticks through the centers before baking (make sure they are sturdy enough). This transforms the classic spritz into a fun and unexpected showpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Chocolate Spritz Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them soft and fresh, maintaining that tender bite and chocolatey goodness without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freezing until firm, then transferring to a sealed container or freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
If you’d like to enjoy the cookies warm, pop them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or briefly microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings back that just-baked softness and makes them taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! A blend with xanthan gum or guar gum works best to keep the cookie’s texture just right, but feel free to experiment with your favorite gluten-free flour blend as long as it’s suitable for baking.
What if I don’t have a cookie press?
You can use a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle or even roll the dough into small balls and flatten slightly. The classic spritz pattern won’t be there, but the flavor and texture remain delicious.
Are these cookies suitable for vegans?
This recipe calls for butter and egg, so it’s not vegan as is. However, you can try substituting vegan butter and a flax egg to achieve similar results with some recipe tweaks.
Can I add other flavors to the dough?
Definitely! A pinch of cinnamon or an orange zest can add a lovely twist. Just remember that it’ll alter the classic chocolate spritz taste slightly, but in a wonderful way.
How long do the cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these spritz cookies stay fresh for about a week. Beyond that, they can start to lose their tenderness but freezing is always a great option to extend their life.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chocolate Spritz Cookies (Gluten-Free) Recipe enough for anyone who loves a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth cookie without the gluten. It’s quick, fuss-free, and yields so many beautiful cookies perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Give it a try and watch these charming treats disappear fast—you’ll soon wonder why you didn’t bake them sooner!
