Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies Recipe

Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies are the perfect buttery, melt-in-your-mouth holiday treats that bring families together in the kitchen. I’ve been making these traditional German butter cookies with my family for over a decade, and they never fail to create magical Christmas memories while filling the house with the most incredible vanilla-butter aroma.

There’s something truly special about gathering in the kitchen on a chilly December afternoon, little hands eagerly waiting their turn at the cookie press while the scent of vanilla and butter fills every corner of the house. These Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies represent everything I love about holiday baking – they’re simple enough for beginners, fun enough to keep kids engaged, and delicious enough to become your new family tradition. The soft, buttery texture combined with festive sprinkles creates the perfect balance between classic shortbread and sugar cookies, making them an instant hit on any Christmas cookie platter.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Spritz Cookies

I always recommend using real butter alongside margarine for the perfect texture balance – this combination gives you the best of both worlds with incredible flavor and easy pressing. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 stick margarine, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 heaping teaspoon baking powder
• Optional gel food coloring for festive colors
• Sprinkles or sanding sugar for decorating

Pro tip: I prefer using gel food coloring instead of liquid because it won’t thin out your dough, keeping that perfect pressing consistency intact.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Bakery-Quality Results

I recommend chilling both your dough and baking sheets – this simple trick ensures your cookies hold their beautiful pressed shapes perfectly. Follow these detailed steps:

Step 1: Cream the softened butter and margarine in your electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Add sugar 1/2 cup at a time, alternating with eggs. Beat well after each addition until fully incorporated. The mixture should look pale and creamy.

Step 3: Mix in vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the butter mixture.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. Add this flour mixture to your butter mixture by hand, a little at a time. Avoid overmixing – stop as soon as the dough comes together.

Step 5: Chill the dough for 15 minutes while you chill your ungreased cookie sheets in the refrigerator. Cold surfaces help the dough stick better for clean shapes.

Step 6: Load your spritz cookie press according to manufacturer instructions. If dough feels too soft, chill longer; if too stiff, let it sit at room temperature briefly.

Step 7: Press cookies onto your chilled, ungreased cookie sheets. Add sprinkles or sanding sugar immediately before baking.

Step 8: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until edges are just set but not brown. Transfer to cooling racks immediately.

Delicious Serving Ideas That Wow Your Guests

These buttery cookies pair beautifully with both warm and cold holiday beverages. Consider these perfect combinations:

Hot Chocolate: The rich, creamy chocolate perfectly complements the delicate butter flavor while creating a cozy winter treat experience.

Eggnog: Traditional holiday flavors unite when you serve these spritz cookies alongside creamy, spiced eggnog for an authentic Christmas taste.

Coffee or Tea: The subtle sweetness and buttery texture make these cookies ideal for afternoon tea parties or morning coffee breaks.

Vanilla Ice Cream: Create an elegant dessert by serving these cookies alongside premium vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

The Perfect Ending to Any Christmas Feast

These buttery spritz cookies are the ideal sweet finish to any of my Christmas recipes! They’re absolutely perfect after a rich dinner featuring my Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef or my comforting Savory French Onion Pot Roast. For elegant entertaining, serve these cookies after my stunning Christmas Salmon with Pomegranate Glaze for a meal your guests will never forget.

These traditional treats also balance beautifully with my savory appetizers – start your party with Best Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms, Quick Christmas Cranberry Beef Meatballs, and Irresistibly Sticky Pigs in Blankets. Let guests cleanse their palate with my fresh Delicious Christmas Cranberry Spinach Salad before enjoying these sweet, buttery cookies.

Smart Storage Solutions for Maximum Freshness

Store your Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. I recommend adding a single saltine cracker to the container – it absorbs excess moisture and keeps cookies perfectly crisp.

For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully for up to three months in freezer-safe containers. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.

Pro tip: The unbaked dough can be refrigerated for several days. Simply let it return to room temperature before pressing for the best results.

Common Questions About Spritz Cookie Success

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