Name: Aperol Spritz Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Modern American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 egg yolk; 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze); 1/4 – 1/3 cup Aperol (for glaze); 1 1/2 cups prosecco or sparkling wine (reduced to 1/4 cup for glaze)

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the bright, slightly bitter essence of Aperol and the subtle sparkle of reduced prosecco. Soft, buttery, and adorned with a citrusy glaze that shimmers with elegance, these cookies are a sophisticated treat made for modern brunches, summer gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a playful, grown-up dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies offer the perfect combination of classic baking comfort and contemporary flavor. The dough is simple to prepare and bakes into tender, golden cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The glaze—infused with Aperol and prosecco—adds a zingy, aromatic finish that elevates the cookies beyond the ordinary. Whether served at a cocktail party or paired with a sparkling glass of prosecco, these cookies bring a festive, adult charm to the table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg yolk

For the Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 – 1/3 cup Aperol (adjust to desired intensity)
1 1/2 cups prosecco or sparkling wine (reduced to 1/4 cup for concentrated flavor)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg yolk and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Roll the dough into balls, flatten them slightly, and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, simmer the prosecco over medium heat until reduced to about 1/4 cup. Let it cool to room temperature.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, reduced prosecco, and Aperol until the glaze is smooth and glossy. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or Aperol as needed.
Dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Set cookies on a rack or tray until the glaze is fully set.
Serve the cookies with a chilled glass of prosecco for a complete Aperol Spritz experience.

Servings and timing

Servings: 18 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Calories per serving: 210 kcal

Variations

Citrus Boost: Add a teaspoon of fresh orange zest to the glaze or dough for an extra pop of citrus flavor.
Non-Alcoholic Glaze: Replace the Aperol and prosecco with orange juice and a splash of soda water for a mocktail-inspired cookie.
Glitter Finish: Sprinkle edible gold dust or sanding sugar over the glaze for a festive finish.
Herbal Twist: Add a hint of fresh thyme or rosemary to the dough for a subtle savory balance.
Shape Options: Roll and cut the dough into elegant shapes such as rounds, diamonds, or hearts for special occasions.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent the glaze from sticking. These cookies do not require reheating and are best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not recommended due to the glaze, but unglazed cookies can be frozen and glazed after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use sparkling wine instead of prosecco?

Yes, any dry sparkling wine will work for reducing and flavoring the glaze.

How strong is the alcohol flavor in the glaze?

The flavor is subtle and citrusy. Most of the alcohol cooks off during the prosecco reduction, leaving a mild, aromatic essence.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Let it soften slightly before rolling and baking.

Are these cookies soft or crisp?

They bake up with a soft and tender texture, ideal for holding the glaze while remaining pleasantly chewy.

Can I use a stand mixer for the dough?

Yes, a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless.

How long does the glaze take to set?

Depending on humidity, the glaze typically sets within 30–60 minutes. Allow more time before stacking or storing.

Can I use store-bought glaze?

For best flavor, it’s recommended to make the glaze from scratch with the prosecco reduction and Aperol.

What’s the best way to serve these at a party?

Arrange on a white serving platter with a glass of prosecco or Aperol Spritz nearby for an elegant and thematic presentation.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Yes. Use plant-based butter and a vegan egg yolk substitute in the dough. Replace prosecco with non-alcoholic sparkling juice in the glaze.

Can I make smaller cookies?

Yes, simply reduce the baking time to about 8–9 minutes for mini cookies.

Conclusion

Aperol Spritz Sugar Cookies bring a sophisticated, citrus-kissed twist to the classic sugar cookie, blending the signature flavors of Aperol and prosecco into an elegant, crowd-pleasing dessert. Ideal for brunches, cocktail hours, or celebratory gifting, these cookies are as delightful to eat as they are to display. With their glossy glaze and bright flavor, they add a chic sparkle to any occasion.

Aperol Spritz Sugar Cookies

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Author: Mia
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 18 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft, buttery sugar cookies with a delicate orange hue, finished with a glossy Aperol and prosecco glaze that sparkles with citrusy zest—elegant, grown-up treats perfect for brunch or cocktail parties.

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg yolk
2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
1/4 – 1/3 cup Aperol (for glaze)
1 1/2 cups prosecco or sparkling wine (reduced to 1/4 cup for glaze)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg yolk and mix until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a smooth dough forms.
Roll dough into balls, flatten slightly, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and lightly golden.
Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
To make the glaze, simmer prosecco over medium heat until reduced to 1/4 cup, then let cool.
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, reduced prosecco, and Aperol until smooth and glossy. Adjust thickness as needed.
Dip the tops of cooled cookies into the glaze, letting the excess drip off.
Place cookies on a rack or tray until the glaze is set. Serve with chilled prosecco.