Spritz Christmas Cookies You’ll Adore

When the evenings are long and the air starts to smell like frost and pine, I find myself reaching for my cookie press. Spritz Christmas cookies are my go-to for adding a sprinkle of magic to the festivities. Their buttery fragrance just fills the kitchen, warming even the chilliest pre-holiday nights. Toss on some colored sugar or festive icing, and you’ve got more than cookies — you’ve got an edible invitation for friends to gather ‘round. (And there’s a certain joy in seeing them disappear as quickly as they’re made.)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spritz cookies are a home baker’s dream — forgiving, fun, and perfectly delicious. Here’s why this recipe will win over your heart (and your kitchen):

• Quick to mix up, saving precious holiday minutes.
• A blank canvas for decorating with endless options like frosting, sprinkles, or chocolate.
• Buttery crispness that ensures they’ll vanish the moment they’re served.

“Christmas cookies: tiny sweet bites of love and nostalgia.” M.

Ingredients: Festive Spritz Christmas Cookies

Servings: 24 cookies

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the Decoration

• Colored sugar or sprinkles
• Optional: melted chocolate for drizzling

Options: Consider using a gluten-free flour blend or swapping in dairy-free butter for dietary preferences.

Equipment Needed

• Cookie press or piping bag with a star tip
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Step-By-Step Guide: How to Make Spritz Christmas Cookies

Prepare the Dough

Set your oven racing to 375°F (190°C) and line those sheets with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until they’re as light and fluffy as a winter flurry, about 2-3 minutes.

Tip: Butter loves a good chill-out session at room temperature for peak performance.

Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, stirring them into submission. Gradually add the flour, salt, and baking powder, keeping it slow and steady until you’ve coaxed a soft dough into existence.

Shape the Cookies

Load up your dough into a cookie press or an artistically-inclined piping bag.

Tip: Mix up the star tips for whimsical shapes that would make any elf envious!

Press the dough onto your prepared trays, leaving a little breathing room in between. Sprinkle with a dash of colored sugar to prep them for their golden glory.

Bake to Perfection

Bake those beauties for 8-10 minutes, with an eye out for golden edges that whisper, “We’re done.” Let them mellow out on the sheet a few minutes before making their way to a wire rack.

“Cookies are made of butter and love.”

This video is here as an extra source of inspiration! While it may not match this exact recipe, it offers helpful techniques, ideas, or visual guidance to enhance your cooking experience.

Pro Tips for Spritz Christmas Cookies

• A mix of vanilla and almond extracts adds layers to their allure.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes if using a cookie press; it’s the secret handshake for a perfect texture.
• Finish with melted chocolate and sprinkles for a merry touch.

Remember, I loved chilling my dough first—makes all the difference when you’re rolling with a press!

Dietary Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free Version

• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend at a 1:1 ratio.
• Mix until just combined to avoid a gummy texture.
• Start checking for doneness 1-2 minutes earlier, as gluten-free cookies may bake faster.

Tip: If using a blend without xanthan gum, add 1/4 teaspoon per cup of flour for better texture.

Dairy-Free

• Substitute unsalted butter with dairy-free butter or a neutral oil in the same amount.
• Use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat) if additional moisture is needed.
• There’s no need for adjustments in baking time or temperature.

Tip: A splash of vanilla extract in dairy-free substitutions enhances flavor.

Egg-Free / Vegan

• Replace the egg with a mixture of 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed and 2.5 tablespoons water, let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Ensure that all other ingredients, including butter, are dairy-free as mentioned above.
• Watch for slight changes in texture; bake for an additional 2-4 minutes if necessary.

Tip: Adding a teaspoon of vinegar to the wet ingredients can help lift the cookies.

Low-Sugar

• Reduce the granulated sugar by 25% and consider using a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit at a 1:1 ratio.
• If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of your preferred liquid (milk or water).

Tip: Enhance flavors by increasing vanilla or almond extract by 1/4 teaspoon.

Nut-Free

• Omit any optional nuts or swaps and ensure any additional decorations (like sprinkles) are nut-free.
• Check ingredients for potential cross-contamination, especially if using packaged goods.

Tip: Watch out for “may contain peanuts/tree nuts” labels on packaging.

Creative Variations: Unique Spritz Cookie Ideas

Chocolate Spritz Cookies

Switch 1/4 cup (30 g) of flour for cocoa.

Tip: Up the ante with peppermint extract!

Lemon Zest Spritz

Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest for a citrus tickle.

Tip: Shower them with powdered sugar for sweetness that sparkles.

Nutty Spritz

Toss in finely chopped pecans or walnuts.

Tip: Toast the nuts to bring out their best selves.

Rainbow Spritz

Layer colored sugars and watch them shine.

Tip: Go wild and layer the colors for visual delight.

Mint Chocolate Drizzle

Enchant with melted chocolate and peppermint extracts.

Tip: A scatter of crushed candy canes adds a crunchy finale.

“Baking can be a wonderful therapy.” — Paul Hollywood

Serving Suggestions

Display these cookies on holiday trays beside a steaming cup of holiday spiced tea or coffee. They’re ideal for cookie swaps, family gatherings, and make for a classic ‘cookies and milk’ moment — no gifts required.

Storage and Reheating

Tuck your cookies into an airtight container and keep them cozy for up to a week at room temperature. For longer preservation, freeze flat before swinging them into a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, simply thaw at room temperature.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Dough

This can leave your cookies tough as an old boot. Mix until the ingredients gently meld.

Tip: Swap to a spatula for subtly folding in the flour post wet mix.

Not Chilling the Dough

Skipping this leaves cookies less than splendid.

Incorrect Oven Temperature

Verify your oven’s warmth — a thermometer’s your backup.

Not Using Parchment Paper

Baking straight onto the sheet can lead to cookies sticking.

Tip: Play it safe and reuse parchment paper for multiple batches.

Skipping the Decoration

Decorating isn’t just for show; it enhances flavor and delights the eyes!

FAQs

How do I make the dough less sticky?

A 30-minute chill in the fridge works wonders.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While possible, expect a tilt in texture and flavor — butter’s blissful.

What can I do with leftover dough?

Chill it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for a later bake-off.

Can I make gluten-free spritz cookies?

Certainly. Swap all-purpose flour with a trusty gluten-free blend.

How can I flavor my Spritz cookies?

Explore different extracts like hazelnut or coconut to keep things intriguing.

Celebrate the Season with Spritz Cookies

Bringing Spritz Christmas cookies into play isn’t just baking — it’s heartwarming theater. Each delicate, delicious bite amplifies the spirit of the season and invites a slice of tradition into modern kitchens. Here’s to the merry baking memories you’re bound to create!