Festive Spritz Christmas Cookies
Spritz Christmas cookies are a delightful way to celebrate with their buttery sweetness and delicate shape. They are quick to prepare, perfect for decorating, and boast a delightful blend of buttery flavor and crisp texture.
Equipment
- Cookie press or piping bag with a star tip
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Decoration
- Colored sugar or sprinkles
- Optional: melted chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Tip: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour, salt, and baking powder, mixing at low speed until a soft dough forms.
Shape the Cookies
- Transfer the cookie dough to a cookie press or a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Tip: If you want varying shapes, consider using different tips for unique designs!
- Press the dough onto the prepared baking sheets in desired shapes, leaving enough space between each cookie as they will spread slightly while baking.
- Sprinkle with colored sugar before placing them in the oven.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden color.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Pro tips for Spritz Christmas Cookies: Use a mix of vanilla and almond extracts for a more complex flavor. Chill the dough for 30 minutes if using a cookie press; this will improve the texture. For a festive touch, decorate with melted chocolate and festive sprinkles.