Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s both delightful to make and utterly delicious, these Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies are pure holiday magic. With their buttery, tender texture and charming shapes that you can customize with colorful gel food coloring and sprinkles, they capture the spirit of the season in every bite. Whether you’re baking with family or treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to bring joy and that unmistakable feeling of cozy holiday togetherness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is simple yet crucial for creating the perfect Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies. From the creamy richness of butter and margarine to the light touch of vanilla, each component works together to build flavor, texture, and that classic festive look.

• Unsalted Butter (1 stick): Provides the creamy richness that makes these cookies melt in your mouth.
• Margarine (1 stick): Adds tenderness and helps balance the dough for easy pressing.
• Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the dough while helping with the light, crisp edge.
• Eggs (2): Bind everything together and add structure without weighing the cookies down.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Infuses warmth and fragrant depth that complements the butter perfectly.
• Salt (a pinch): Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and richness.
• All-Purpose Flour (3 1/2 cups): The base of the dough, giving the structure for shaping and baking.
• Baking Powder (1 heaping tsp): Ensures a slight lift, so each cookie has a tender crumb.
• Gel Food Coloring (optional): Adds bright, festive colors for a joyful presentation.

How to Make Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Margarine

Start by placing your softened unsalted butter and margarine in an electric mixer. Beat them together until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. This aeration step is essential because it lays the foundation for a tender cookie texture that practically melts on your tongue.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Eggs Alternately

Then, slowly add the sugar in two parts (about 1/2 cup at a time) while alternating with the eggs. This pacing helps the mixture emulsify perfectly, giving your dough an even, smooth consistency that’s easy to work with.

Step 3: Mix in the Vanilla Extract

Pour in the vanilla extract next. Its sweet aroma will start filling your kitchen, setting a cozy holiday mood that makes this recipe extra special.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

While the wet mixture is taking shape, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl. This ensures that the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture.

Step 5: Gently Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture

Now it’s time to incorporate your flour mixture by hand, adding a little at a time to the butter mixture. Be gentle here—you want to bring everything together without overworking the dough, which keeps the cookies tender and delicate.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Pop your dough in the fridge for about 15 minutes to firm up. This step is crucial because slightly chilled dough sticks better to the cookie press, helping you create those beautiful shapes with ease.

Step 7: Chill Your Baking Pan

While the dough chills, place your baking pan in the fridge as well. A cold pan prevents the dough from spreading too much, keeping the intricate shapes intact during baking.

Step 8: Load and Press Your Dough

Load your cookie dough into the spritz cookie press following the manufacturer’s instructions. If your dough feels too soft, give it a bit more time in the fridge; if it’s too stiff, let it warm up slightly. Then press the cookies directly onto your ungreased, chilled cookie sheet for perfectly formed treats.

Step 9: Add Toppings Before Baking

Sprinkle on your favorite sanding sugar or festive sprinkles right before baking. The toppings will stick beautifully to the dough and add an extra layer of joy and texture to your cookies.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them—the edges should turn just lightly golden while the centers remain soft. This balance makes every bite heavenly.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies

Garnishes

Adding a little extra flair to your cookies is part of the fun. Consider dusting them with powdered sugar for a snowy effect or drizzling melted white chocolate for a festive touch that dazzles both the eyes and palate.

Side Dishes

These spritz cookies pair wonderfully with classic holiday drinks like hot cocoa or spiced eggnog. The rich textures and sweet flavors complement a warm beverage perfectly, making them an ideal treat during chilly winter evenings.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies on a festive platter layered with parchment paper or decorate a cookie jar with holiday ribbons for gifting. You can even stack them into sweet cookie towers or wrap small sets in cellophane tied with twine to share holiday cheer with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your batch, store any leftover Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crisp for up to a week, perfect for snacking or gifting throughout the holiday season.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the baked cookies by layering them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature without losing their delicate texture.

Reheating

To revive slightly stale cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back their fresh-baked crispness while keeping their tender crumb intact—a simple way to enjoy Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies anytime!

FAQs

Can I use all butter instead of butter and margarine?

Absolutely! Using all butter will make your cookies richer and more flavorful, but margarine helps keep the dough tender and easier to press. Either way, your cookies will turn out delicious.

What’s the best way to add color to these cookies?

Gel food coloring is ideal because it adds vibrant hues without thinning the dough. Mix the color thoroughly into the dough before pressing for consistent, festive spritz cookies.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate overnight?

Yes, chilling the dough overnight intensifies the flavors and can even improve the texture. Just let it come to room temperature slightly before pressing for easier handling.

How do I clean my spritz cookie press after use?

Disassemble the press and soak all parts in warm, soapy water immediately after use. Use a small brush to remove any stuck dough, then dry thoroughly before storing.

Can these cookies be gluten-free?

You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for regular flour, but be sure to check that it includes a binding agent. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delightful.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies is a joyful way to add a little extra warmth and sweetness to your holiday season. Whether you’re creating festive shapes with kids or gifting beautifully presented batches to loved ones, these cookies are sure to become a treasured tradition. Give the recipe a try and watch the smiles grow with every buttery, perfectly shaped bite!

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