Christmas Spritz Cookies
Christmas spritz cookies are a classic treat that bring a touch of tradition and charm to every holiday gathering.
Equipment
- Cookie press or piping bag
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Cooling racks
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional, but so festive!
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
Prep Your Ingredients and Equipment
- Measure everything accurately before starting—baking is precise!
- Soften your butter: Leave it at room temperature for about 30–60 minutes. Softened butter creams more evenly with sugar.
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats so cookies don’t stick.
- Pro tip: Prepping everything first makes the process much smoother and less stressful.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Scrape the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing.
- Pro tip: Don’t rush this step—well-creamed butter and sugar give the cookies their tender, light texture.
Add Eggs and Extracts
- Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
- Mix in vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) until smooth.
- Stop and scrape the bowl again to catch any bits clinging to the sides.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the cookies tough.
- Pro tip: If the dough feels too soft to hold a shape, chill it for 10–15 minutes before pressing.
Shape the Cookies
- Fill your cookie press or piping bag with dough.
- Press or pipe cookies directly onto your prepared baking sheets in festive shapes like stars, trees, or wreaths.
- Leave a little space between each cookie—they spread slightly while baking.
- Pro tip: Practice a few test cookies first to get comfortable with your cookie press pressure.
Decorate Before Baking
- Sprinkle colored sugar or festive sprinkles on each cookie.
- Gently press sprinkles into the dough so they stick during baking.
Bake the Cookies
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even baking.
- Pro tip: Keep a close eye on them—spritz cookies bake quickly and can brown too fast.
Cool and Serve
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Allow them to cool completely to maintain crisp edges.
- Store in an airtight container or share immediately—these cookies disappear fast!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per 1 Cookie)
- Calories: 75 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Sugar: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g