Perfect for making large batches of buttery Spritz cookies, a cookie press is a fun kitchen gadget that will make your holiday baking much easier. We’ll break down how to use your Wilton cookie press, as well as share a few tips and tricks for getting perfect cookies every time!
Ready to spritz up your holiday baking? Whether you’re baking cookies for Christmas or an upcoming bake sale, you can make multiple batches of cookies at one time using a Spritz cookie press.
Easy to hold and use, cookie presses use a trigger and a shaped disk to pipe cookie dough onto a baking sheet. Disks can be swapped during piping, so you can make a variety of shaped cookies with one batch of dough.
Once pressed, cookies can be baked as is or topped with colorful sugars, sprinkles, nuts and more!
Cookie Press FAQs
Can I use any cookie dough recipe?
In short, no. Most doughs are too tough to be piped through a press. We recommend using a Spritz cookie dough with your cookie press. Check out our easy Classic Spritz Cookie recipe, which is easy to customize with flavor and color.
What type of cookie sheet should I use for Spritz cookies?
For best results, use an ungreased non-stick cookie sheet for your Spritz cookies. Do not use parchment paper or a silicone mat on your cookie sheet – this dough works best if it can cling to the pan while baking.
And don’t fret about sticking! The butter in this recipe makes it easy to remove your cookies once baked and cooled.
How do I remove the cookie press barrel for cleaning?
Twist the barrel off counterclockwise for easy cleaning. When twisting, be sure to grip the barrel and not the outer casing.
Wash all the pieces of your press with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly.
When I push down on the press, nothing comes out of the disk. Why is that?
Your dough might be too thick or too cold. Let your dough sit at room temperature until it’s soft enough to press through the disk.
If your dough is at room temperature, double check that the plunger is in place. The pointy end should face the handle when pressing.
Why are my cookies sticking to the bottom of the press?
Sticky dough usually means your dough is too soft. Try chilling it for a few minutes or add 1 teaspoon of sifted flour to your dough until the proper consistency is achieved.
Cookie Press Recipes
Want to add some flavor to your Spritz cookie dough? Try one of these tasty variations!
Chocolate Spritz Cookie
Add some cocoa to your recipe for a tasty Chocolate Spritz Cookie.
Pistachio Spritz Cookies
Go a little nutty with these colorful Pistachio Spritz Cookies.
Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies
Creamy and buttery, these Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies are great for holiday baking.
How to Use a Cookie Press
Equipment
Instructions
Step 1: Use the Right Dough
- The key to making great Spritz cookies is having the right dough. We suggest our Classic Spritz Cookie recipe, which works with both the Preferred Press Cookie Press and the Simple Success Cookie Press.
- Do not use refrigerated or sugar cookie dough with your cookie press. These doughs are often too hard and could ruin or damage your press.
- It’s also important that your dough be at room temperature. Too cold and it won’t release, too warm and your cookies may lose their shape. If you find the dough has gotten too warm, put it in the fridge for a couple minutes until it’s at the right consistency.
- Once your dough is ready, simply roll it into a log shape. This will make it much easier to load into the press.
Step 2: Filling Your Cookie Press
- To fill your press, pull the plunger all the way up to the top of the press. Unscrew the ring on the bottom and fill the barrel with your prepared dough.
- Select the cookie disk you’d like to use and place it on the end of the press with the smooth side out. Attach the ring to the press.
- Now you’re ready to start pressing!
Step 3: Using Your Cookie Press
- Turn the plunger so the pointy end is facing the handle when you’re pressing. Give it a couple presses to help push the dough down to the bottom.
- Hold the press upright with the bottom ring resting firmly on a cooled ungreased cookie sheet. Do not tilt the press or hold it above the cookie sheet. Squeeze the trigger to form a cookie. Repeat until the cookie sheet is filled.
- If you want to make several shapes, you can change the disk at any time. Just remove the ring and replace the disk for a new, fun design.
- And don’t be discouraged if the first couple of cookies don’t come out perfectly. Simply put the dough back in the bowl and reuse it!
Step 4: Decorating Your Spritz Cookies
- Like sugar cookies, Spritz cookies can be decorated before or after baking. Add toppings like cherries, almonds, sprinkles or nonpareils to your cookies before you bake them, or drizzle baked cookies with melted candy or chocolate.
- You can also use food coloring to tint your cookie dough. This is especially fun for holiday baking! Try tinting your dough green for these cute Christmas Tree Spritz Cookies, or try pink dough for these lovely Floral Spritz Cookies, great for wedding showers or Mother’s Day.
Step 5: Bake Spritz Cookies
- Bake cookies according to recipe.
Step 6: Clean Your Cookie Press
- Twist barrel off counterclockwise for easy cleaning. When twisting, be sure to grip the barrel and not the outer casing. Wash with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly.
Video
Notes
Tips and Tricks for Using a Wilton Cookie Press
- For perfectly shaped cookies, make sure you’re using an ungreased non-stick cookie sheet. Greasing your pan will cause your cookies to spread.
- If the dough is sticking to the bottom of the press instead of adhering to the pan, it might be too soft. Place it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 minutes and try again.
- Butter is highly recommended when making Spritz cookie dough. If margarine or solid vegetable shortening is used, the dough may turn out too soft to release from the press.
- Use Icing Color Gel or Color Right™ colors to add color to the dough after all ingredients have been mixed.
Have you made Spritz cookies recently? We’d love to see them! Share a picture of your treats on social media and tag us @wiltoncakes.
