If you’re on the hunt for a charming, classic holiday treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to share, you’ve found it with these Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies. Bursting with rich buttery flavor and tender crumb, these cookies bring the festive spirit straight to your kitchen with their colorful shapes and sprinkles. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total newbie, this recipe simplifies the spritz cookie tradition into an utterly approachable, joyful experience perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon with loved ones.

Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to perfecting your Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, creating that irresistible flavor, tender texture, and delightful color that make these cookies so special during the holidays.

Unsalted Butter, 1 stick: Softening it ensures a creamy base that creates tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Margarine, 1 stick: Adds moisture and helps achieve the perfect balanced texture.
Sugar, 3/4 cup: Sweetness and a slight crispness on the edges come from just the right amount of sugar.
Eggs, 2: They bind the dough and give the cookies structure while keeping them soft.
Vanilla Extract, 1 tsp: A splash of warm vanilla lifts the flavor beautifully.
Salt, a pinch: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
All-purpose Flour, 3 1/2 cups: The foundation that creates the dough’s firm but tender consistency.
Baking Powder, 1 heaping tsp: Provides a slight lift for lightness without losing shape.
Optional Gel Food Coloring: Bring on the holiday cheer with festive hues for your spritz shapes.

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 bowl. Beat them together until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale. This step is key because it incorporates air, which helps your cookies bake up light and tender. The fluffier you get this mixture, the better your texture will be.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Eggs Alternately

Gradually add the sugar in increments of about half a cup, alternating with the eggs. This slow mixing lets the sugar dissolve well into the fats and eggs, creating a silky consistency that’s essential before adding dry ingredients. Don’t rush—each addition deserves some good mixing to make a harmonious batter.

Step 3: Incorporate Vanilla Extract

Once your mixture is smooth and creamy, add the vanilla extract. This simple step elevates the flavor profile, giving your cookies that warm, inviting scent that reminds everyone of the holidays.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. This ensures even distribution of the raising agent and salt. Then add the dry mixture a little at a time to your butter mixture by hand, folding gently to avoid overworking the dough. Overmixing can activate gluten and make the cookies tough instead of tender.

Step 5: Chill Your Dough and Baking Sheet

Chill the dough in the fridge for about 15 minutes; this firms it up, making it easier to work with your spritz cookie press. While you wait, pop your baking sheet in the fridge as well — chilled pans help the dough stick better and maintain beautiful shapes as they bake.

Step 6: Press and Decorate

Load your spritz cookie press following its instructions. If the dough feels too soft, chill it longer; if it’s too stiff, let it sit out briefly to soften. Press out your festive shapes onto the ungreased, chilled cookie sheet. Right here, sprinkle in any sanding sugar or sprinkles to add that holiday sparkle before baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the edges should just begin to turn golden while the centers remain light. This gives you that tender, buttery cookie everyone dreams of.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies

Garnishes

Enhance your spritz cookies with a little extra festive flair. Classic sprinkles, edible glitter, or sanding sugar add sparkle and crunch. You can also drizzle melted white or dark chocolate for a luxurious finish that’s sure to impress guests and family alike.

Side Dishes

Pair these buttery beauties with warm beverages like rich hot cocoa, spicy mulled wine, or your favorite holiday coffee blend. The cookies’ light texture and sweet vanilla notes complement these drinks perfectly, making each bite and sip feel magical.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes all the difference during holiday festivities. Arrange your Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies stacked on a festive platter, tied together with a colorful ribbon as charming edible gifts, or nestled in clear treat bags for sweet party favors. Their vibrant shapes are naturally eye-catching, so have fun making them the centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate shapes and decorations.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked spritz dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before pressing and baking. Baked cookies freeze well too; place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to avoid breakage.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy cookies warm after storage, pop them in a preheated 300-degree oven for 3-5 minutes. This helps revive their fresh-baked texture without drying them out. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy or rubbery.

FAQs

Can I substitute margarine with butter only?

Absolutely! You can use all butter if you prefer, which might give a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that margarine adds a bit of moisture and softness, so the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Is it necessary to chill the dough and baking sheet?

Chilling both is highly recommended as it helps the dough hold its shape when pressed and baked, resulting in crisp, beautifully defined cookies that don’t spread too much. Skipping this step can lead to softer, less distinct shapes.

Can I use regular food coloring or only gel?

Gel food coloring is preferred because it won’t affect the dough consistency, keeping it just right for pressing. Liquid colorings may make the dough too soft or sticky, which can be tricky when using a cookie press.

How long do these cookies keep their freshness?

If stored properly in an airtight container, spritz cookies stay fresh and tasty for about a week. Freezing them extends their shelf life significantly.

Can I add flavors other than vanilla?

Definitely! Almond extract, lemon zest, or even a touch of peppermint extract can be exciting twists for your spritz cookies. Just use sparingly to not overpower the dough’s delicate balance.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies. They fill your home with nostalgic aromas and bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Whether you’re making them for a party or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these cookies remind us that holiday magic is often baked in the simplest, sweetest traditions. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and create some festive joy with this beloved recipe—you’ll be so glad you did!