The History of Spritz Cookies

Spritz cookies are a buttery holiday favorite for many people all around the world. They have their origins in Scandinavian cuisine and are traditionally served in the region during Christmastime. The name “spritz” is thought to have come from the German word “spritzen,” meaning “to squirt.” (These cookies are made by “squirting” the dough through a cookie press and the different shapes are created by extruding the dough through special metal discs.) Different cultures tend to gravitate toward different shapes; for example, making spritz cookies in the shape of S’s and O’s is a popular Norwegian tradition. Today, spritz cookies are baked all over the world and are especially popular as Christmas cookies; trees and stars are some of the most beloved shapes.