Ah, Christmas time! It’s that wonderful season when the air gets colder, the nights are longer, and my cozy kitchen becomes a cauldron of delightful aromas. One of my all-time favorite holiday traditions is baking Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies. The first time I made them was with my grandmother, a beloved recipe passed down for generations. I remember the buttery scent wafting through the house as we pressed those cute little cookies into festive shapes, giggling as we decorated them with colorful sprinkles. Biting into one of those warm cookies felt like a hug—sweet, buttery, and oh-so-satisfying. Today, I’m excited to share this easy and delightful recipe with you all, inviting you to create your own cherished memories. Trust me, as soon as you bake these cookies, your home will be filled with love and warmth!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll become a cookie-baking pro in no time!
- Quick to Make: Perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings—these cookies come together in a flash!
- Customizable: Add your favorite colors or flavors to make them uniquely yours!
- Flavorful and Buttery: Each bite melts in your mouth, giving you that Christmas spirit.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone—from kids to grandparents—will love these delightful treats!
Ingredients
- 1 Stick of Unsalted Butter, softened: This is the heart of the cookie, lending that rich, creamy flavor we adore.
- 1 Stick of Margarine, softened: Using margarine helps keep the cookies tender while adding just the right amount of flavor.
- 3/4 cup Sugar: Sweetness is essential, and sugar gives that delightful sparkle to our cookies.
- 2 Eggs: They bind everything together and add leavening—an egg-cellent source of moisture!
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: A splash brings warmth and that cozy, nostalgic flavor!
- Pinch of Salt: A pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the overall flavor profile.
- 3 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour: This is the bulk of our cookie dough, giving it structure and richness.
- 1 heaping teaspoon Baking Powder: This little gem helps our cookies rise perfectly.
- Optional Gel Food Coloring: Add a pop of color for festive flair—go wild with your creativity!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Step 1: Mix the Butters
Start by putting the softened unsalted butter and margarine into an electric mixer. Beat them together until the mixture is fluffy and smooth. Ahh, that buttery aroma is already filling your kitchen!
Step 2: Add the Sugar and Eggs
Next, gradually add the sugar—half a cup at a time—while continuing to mix. Then, add the eggs one at a time, making sure everything is well blended. Your mixture will start to fluff up, and that sweet smell will waft around like Christmas magic!
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Pour in that luscious vanilla extract. Stir it into the buttery goodness. Close your eyes and take a deep breath—this is the smell of the holidays, my friends!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. This step is crucial for ensuring that our candies turn out light and fluffy.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Now, slowly add the dry flour mixture to your butter mixture, a little at a time. Be gentle—don’t overwork that dough! You want to keep it light and airy, just like the joyous spirit of Christmas!
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Chill your beautiful dough in the fridge for about 15 minutes. Trust me; it’s worth the wait! This helps the cookies hold their lovely shape.
Step 7: Chill the Baking Pan
Go ahead and pop your baking pan in the fridge for 15 minutes as well. Chilled pans help the dough stick better, resulting in perfectly-shaped cookies!
Step 8: Load the Spritz Cookie Press
Once your dough is chilled, load your cookie press following the instructions. If the dough feels too soft, chill it a bit more; if it feels too stiff, let it sit out for a minute.
Step 9: Press and Decorate Cookies
Press the cookies onto an ungreased cookie sheet in festive shapes. Before sliding them into the oven, sprinkle on any of your favorite sprinkles or sanding sugar!
Step 10: Bake
Bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until the edges are just lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Pro Tips for Success
- Ensure Ingredients are Room Temperature: This helps create a nice soft and fluffy dough.
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough will make your cookies tougher—nobody wants that!
- Experiment with Shapes: Use any cookie press discs for varying holiday shapes!
- Watch Your Bake Time: Every oven is different, so check your cookies before the time is up.
Flavor Variations
- Add Citrus Zest: For a refreshing twist, add some lemon or orange zest to your batter.
- Chocolate Chip Spritz: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a delightful surprise.
- Spice it Up: A touch of cinnamon or nutmeg can infuse a warm, cozy flavor perfect for the holidays.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies on a festive platter, perhaps alongside a steaming cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider! They make a perfect treat to share with friends and family during holiday gatherings—who can resist a cookie that looks this cute?
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week—if they last that long!
Leftovers
Got a few cookies left? Crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert, or make a cookie trifle by layering crushed cookies with whipped cream and your favorite fruits.
Freezing
Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer. They’ll keep well for about three months—just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet treat.
Reheating
While they’re best enjoyed fresh, if you want to warm them up, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for just a few minutes until they’re warm—this brings back that fresh from the oven warmth!
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but be sure to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
Can I use substitutes for the margarine?
Butter can be replaced wholly for margarine in equal amounts, or you may opt for coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a lovely crunch and flavor!
What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?
Feel free to use festive icing, colored sugars, or even chocolate drizzle for gorgeous decorations!
Final Thoughts
As you whip up these Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies, I hope your kitchen fills with warm scents, laughter, and the joyous spirit of the holiday season. Gather your loved ones around and make this a yearly tradition, nurturing the love through each batch you create. Just remember: the heart of every holiday cookie is the love you put into it! Happy baking, darlings! 🍪❤️
Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Start by putting the softened unsalted butter and margarine into an electric mixer. Beat them together until the mixture is fluffy and smooth.
- Gradually add the sugar—half a cup at a time—while continuing to mix. Then, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring everything is well blended.
- Pour in the vanilla extract and stir it into the butter mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Slowly add the dry flour mixture to your butter mixture, a little at a time, without overworking the dough.
- Chill the dough in the fridge for about 15 minutes.
- Chill your baking pan in the fridge for 15 minutes as well.
- Load your cookie press with the chilled dough.
- Press the cookies onto an ungreased cookie sheet in festive shapes and sprinkle sprinkles or sanding sugar on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.