German Spritz Cookies

In many cases, farming is a generational way of life. Farms and farmland can often be traced back through decades of family history, with traditions, practices, and values passed down from one generation to the next. What’s grown, how the work gets done, and even the day-to-day routines are often rooted in the past. That’s not to say all farmers are resistant to change! Many actively embrace new technologies, practices, and opportunities. But for changes to stick, they need to make sense for the farm, the family, and the land itself.

When a new generation takes over a farm, they often find themselves balancing tradition with innovation: honoring the past while preparing for the future. Sara’s farm is a great example of this. Many of the crops she grows and methods she uses today were introduced during her time on the farm, while other aspects remain deeply connected to previous generations. She is proud to continue the legacy of her family and carry on the farm’s name—Maple Wood Farms—even as she shapes its future.

This Spritz Cookie recipe reflects that same blend of heritage and individuality. The cookie press Sara uses was passed down from her grandmother, while the recipe itself is one she discovered and made her own. In fact, the cookie press is essential to creating the cookies’ signature shapes. Without the right tool, they simply wouldn’t be the same. Farming works much the same way. While the crops, technologies, and practices may evolve over time, there are certain tools and pieces of equipment that are necessary to get the job done. Some are brand new, while others have been used by generations of farmers before. The tools may change, but having the right ones for the job remains just as important.

The tradition of baking these cookies—and the tips and tricks that make them special—came from generations before Sara. Today, she carries those lessons forward while adding her own touch, much like she has done on the family farm.

Traditionally, Spritz Cookies are made during the Christmas season, but there’s no reason you can’t create new traditions with them year-round. Their small size and crisp, buttery texture make them a perfect springtime treat, too. Decorate them however you’d like—colored sugar sprinkles are a classic choice!