Name: Buttery Christmas Spritz Cookies for Heartwarming Holiday Joy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 cup margarine (can use all butter); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 eggs (room temperature); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free alternative available); 1 teaspoon baking powder; gel food coloring (optional)

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As I sifted through the twinkle of holiday lights, I couldn’t help but reminisce about the magic of Christmas baking. One treat that never fails to bring a smile is Christmas Spritz Cookies—these traditional German butter cookies hold a special place in my heart (and my kitchen!). With their delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture and charming shapes, they promise to elevate any festive gathering. Not only are they easy to whip up, making them perfect for bustling holiday schedules, but they also create priceless moments with family, especially when little hands get involved in the cookie-press fun. Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a Christmas cookie wonderland? Let’s dive into this beloved recipe together!

Why Are Christmas Spritz Cookies So Special?

Unforgettable Traditions: These cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they are a time-honored family tradition that brings people together.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The buttery goodness creates a delightful experience with every bite—perfect for both young and old to enjoy!

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can join in the fun, just like when making Gingerbread Men Cookies!

Versatile Designs: Use a variety of cookie shapes and decorative colors to match your holiday spirit—make stars, trees, or hearts for any occasion!

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These charming cookies are ideal for parties or as thoughtful gifts, leaving everyone asking for more. Your holiday celebration won’t feel complete without these delicious delights!

Christmas Spritz Cookie Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted Butter – This provides richness and flavor; ensure it’s softened for the best mixing experience.
• Margarine – Adds moisture and complements the butter; you can use all butter for a richer flavor.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies; it’s the best option for achieving a delightful texture.
• Eggs – Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients; use room temperature eggs for optimal mixing.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the cookies’ flavor; almond extract can be used for a unique twist.
• Salt – Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing overall flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cookies; a gluten-free flour blend is a great alternative if needed.
• Baking Powder – Provides leavening, ensuring a light and airy texture.
• Gel Food Coloring (optional) – Use sparingly for festive decorations and delightful colors.

Feel the festive vibe as you gather these simple yet essential ingredients for your Christmas Spritz Cookies!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Spritz Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butters
In an electric mixer, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of margarine on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. The texture should become smooth and creamy, signaling that air has been incorporated for that melt-in-your-mouth richness.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Eggs
Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the creamed mixture, mixing in about 1/2 cup at a time. After incorporating the sugar, crack in 2 room-temperature eggs and continue to mix until fully combined and fluffy, around 2 minutes. This creates a lovely buttery base for your Christmas Spritz Cookies.

Step 3: Incorporate Vanilla Extract
Next, pour in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing on low speed just until blended. This will enhance the flavors of your cookies and add a delightful aroma. Take a moment to stop and smell the lovely combination you’ve created!

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until well combined. This mixture adds structure and leavening to your Christmas Spritz Cookies, ensuring they turn out perfectly tender and light.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough; it should be soft and slightly sticky, coming together beautifully. You want to retain that melt-in-your-mouth texture that these cookies are famous for.

Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This step makes the dough easier to handle when you load it into the spritz cookie press, ensuring your designs hold their shape during baking.

Step 7: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). To help your cookies adhere while baking, place your ungreased baking sheets in the fridge as well. This will create a better surface for the cookies and prevent them from spreading too much.

Step 8: Load and Press Dough
Once the dough is chilled, load your spritz cookie press with the dough and secure the top. Press the cookie shapes onto the cold, ungreased baking sheets, giving them room to spread slightly. If desired, decorate with colorful sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.

Step 9: Bake Cookies
Bake the Christmas Spritz Cookies in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as they should be just set but still soft to the touch—no one wants a hard cookie at holiday gatherings!

Step 10: Cool and Store
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their delightful softness and flavor.

Expert Tips for Christmas Spritz Cookies

• Dough Temperature: Ensure your dough is chilled properly; warm dough can lead to cookies spreading out too much during baking.

• Cookie Press Technique: Use a steady, even pressure when pressing the dough onto the baking sheets for perfect shapes and even baking.

• Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies; they should be lightly golden at the edges but soft in the center for that classic Christmas Spritz Cookies texture.

• Decorative Options: Get creative with decorations like colored sprinkles or edible glitter to make your cookies festive and fun—perfect for holiday gatherings!

• Storage Secrets: Store cookies in an airtight container with a saltine cracker to maintain freshness, absorbing excess moisture that could ruin their delightful texture.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Spritz Cookies are perfect for busy bakers! You can prep the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps and then chilling it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. This keeps the dough manageable and prevents it from drying out. Additionally, you can bake the cookies, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container for up to one week; just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to maintain their texture. When you’re ready to serve, simply pull them out and enjoy these buttery treats just as delightful as when they were freshly baked—perfect for holiday gatherings with family and friends!

Christmas Spritz Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your holiday baking, adding your personal touch to these delightful cookies!

Almond Joy: Swap vanilla with almond extract for a nutty twist that sings with holiday cheer.
Imagine a taste that dances on the palate and evokes memories of cheering around the tree!
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
The nutritional quality will shine through, making them a hit with everyone at the table!
Decadent Chocolate: Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolatey version.
The combination of chocolate and buttery goodness is truly irresistible!
Citrus Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing pop of flavor.
This bright addition can elevate your cookies and transport you to faraway sunny orchards!
Sprinkled Joy: Decorate your cookies with festive icing, sprinkles, or colored sugars to match your holiday theme.
The colorful designs are sure to capture hearts and create a visually stunning treat.
Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger for a warm, cozy spice that brightens the flavor beautifully.
This warm aroma will fill your kitchen, creating a comforting holiday atmosphere!
Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted chocolate over your cooled cookies for extra indulgence.
It not only looks amazing but provides that sweet chocolate contrast with butteriness!
Chewy Center: For a chewy texture, omit 1/2 cup of the flour and replace it with an equal amount of oats.
This will surprise and delight as they melt in your mouth while adding a wholesome touch.

Each of these substitutions and variations allows you to explore your culinary creativity while keeping the heart of the Christmas Spritz Cookies intact. Don’t forget to check out delightful recipes like Healthy Chocolate Cookies and Gingerbread Men Cookies for even more festive inspiration!

What to Serve with Christmas Spritz Cookies?

As the scent of buttery sweetness lingers, let’s explore delightful pairings that will elevate your holiday gatherings.

Festive Eggnog: This creamy, spiced drink enhances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a holiday spirit that warms the heart.
Hot Cocoa Bar: A rich cup of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows creates a cozy atmosphere—perfect for dipping your Spritz Cookies!
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of silky vanilla ice cream balances the cookies’ texture and provides a delightful contrast in flavors.
Sparkling Cranberry Punch: The fruity fizz pairs wonderfully, cutting through the cookies’ richness and refreshing the palate.
Cheeseboard with Brie: Soft, creamy Brie cheese complements the buttery cookies, offering a sophisticated touch to your dessert table.
Fruit Salad with Citrus: A fresh mix of seasonal fruits brightens the table, providing a light and zesty counterpart to your sweet treats.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: The sweet, juicy berries paired with chocolate create an elegant treat that accentuates the festive cheer.
Gingerbread Tea: This spiced tea resonates with holiday flavors that blend seamlessly with the buttery notes of Spritz Cookies—perfect for sipping by the fire.
Pistachio Macarons: These delicate treats add a touch of sophistication, and their nuttiness pairs beautifully with the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the cookies.
Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of Spritz Cookies can enhance their festive flair and add an extra layer of flavor!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Spritz Cookies

Fridge: Store your Christmas Spritz Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Place a piece of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezer: Freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. Make sure to label the bag with the date for easy tracking.

Thawing: To enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature for about 1 hour or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds if you’re in a hurry.

Reheating: If desired, reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes for a fresh-baked taste and warmth that’ll melt in your mouth!

Christmas Spritz Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of butter should I use for the cookies?
I recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature, which makes blending with the other ingredients much easier and ensures a creamier dough.

How should I store my Christmas Spritz Cookies?
You’ll want to store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep fresh for up to 1 week. For optimal freshness, I like to layer them with wax paper—this prevents them from sticking together while still allowing for easy access when you’re ready to enjoy them!

Can I freeze Christmas Spritz Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just place them in a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container, and don’t forget to label it with the date! When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour, or warm them in the microwave for a quick treat.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too soft?
If you find that your dough is too soft to handle, don’t worry! Just pop it back in the fridge for an additional 10-15 minutes to firm it up. This will make it much easier to work with, especially when you load it into your spritz cookie press.

Are these cookies suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
While Christmas Spritz Cookies contain dairy and gluten, you can make some adjustments! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and use dairy-free margarines if you need a lactose-free option. Always remember to double-check for any additional allergens if you’re sharing with loved ones.

How should I handle the cookie press for best results?
Using a consistent and steady pressure is key when working with the spritz cookie press. This technique will help ensure that your cookies maintain shape during baking. If you’re new to it, practice a few presses on a spare piece of parchment paper until you find your rhythm!