Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings the holiday spirit to your kitchen, then these Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies are just what you need! They are not only fun to make but also a fantastic way to involve the whole family in the festive preparations. Using a Cookie Press adds a special touch, allowing you to create charming shapes that are perfect for gift-giving or holiday gatherings.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity and the wonderful buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. Plus, they can be enjoyed throughout the season—whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a cheerful cookie swap with friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Simple: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Family Fun: Involve kids in mixing and decorating; they’ll love using the Cookie Press!
• Customizable Colors: Add gel food coloring for festive shades to match any occasion.
• Make Ahead: The dough can be chilled or frozen, making it perfect for busy days.
• Deliciously Buttery: The combination of butter and margarine creates a rich flavor that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies is almost as enjoyable as baking them! You’ll find that they are simple and wholesome, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.

For the Cookies

• 1 Stick of unsalted Butter, softened
• 1 Stick of Margarine, softened
• 3/4 cup Sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• pinch of Salt
• 3 1/2 cups all purpose Flour
• 1 heaping teaspoon Baking Powder
• optional gel food coloring

Variations

One of the best things about these Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies is how flexible the recipe is! Feel free to make it your own with some fun variations:

• Add Flavors: Experiment with almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist.
• Sprinkle Surprise: Top with different sprinkles or sanding sugar to add some crunch and color.
• Shape It Up: Use different discs on your Cookie Press to create various shapes for different occasions.
• Citrus Zest: Mix in some lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus flavor that brightens up every bite.

How to Make Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butters

Start by putting your softened unsalted butter and margarine into an electric mixer. Mix them until fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that light texture we all love.

Step 2: Combine Sugar and Eggs

Next, gradually add sugar to the butter mixture, half a cup at a time, while alternating with the eggs. This method ensures everything blends well together, which helps create a smooth batter without lumps.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients

Once your mixture is creamy, stir in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, mix together flour, salt, and baking powder. Adding these dry ingredients at this stage allows them to blend evenly into the wet mixture without overworking the dough—this keeps your cookies tender!

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Gently fold in the flour mixture by hand. Take care not to overwork it; you want just enough mixing to combine everything well. A soft dough will yield perfect cookies!

Step 5: Chill Out

Chill your dough in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough so it holds its shape better when pressed out. Don’t forget to chill your baking pan too; this little trick prevents sticking.

Step 6: Load Your Cookie Press

Follow your Cookie Press instructions to load the dough. If you notice it’s too soft, let it chill a bit longer. If it’s too stiff, let it sit out for a few minutes until workable.

Step 7: Press and Bake!

Press your cookies onto ungreased cookie sheets and sprinkle them with your choice of decorations before baking. Pop them into a preheated oven at 350° F for about 10-15 minutes until they’re lightly golden on the edges. Keep an eye on them—overbaking can lead to dryness!

Now you’re ready to enjoy warm, festive treats that everyone will adore! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies

Baking can be a delightful experience, and these simple tips will help you achieve the perfect batch of spritz cookies every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Softened butter and margarine blend more easily with sugar, creating a smooth and airy texture in your dough.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing the flour too much can lead to tough cookies. Just combine until everything is incorporated for a tender bite.
• Chill your tools: Chilling both the dough and your baking sheet helps prevent sticking, allowing for perfectly shaped cookies that maintain their design.
• Experiment with colors: If you’re feeling festive, add gel food coloring to the dough before pressing. This adds a fun pop of color to your cookie platter!
• Store properly: Keep your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness for days to come. You can also freeze unbaked dough for fresh cookies anytime!

How to Serve Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies

Presenting your Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies beautifully can enhance the festive spirit of any gathering. Here are some creative ideas on how to serve them!

Garnishes

• Festive sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful sanding sugar or holiday-themed sprinkles adds a cheerful touch, making them visually appealing.
• Drizzle of icing: A light drizzle of simple icing made from powdered sugar and water can elevate the flavor and appearance of each cookie.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: The rich, creamy sweetness of hot cocoa pairs perfectly with these buttery cookies, creating a cozy treat for chilly winter nights.
• Seasonal fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like oranges, pomegranates, and apples offers a bright contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
• Nut mix: A bowl of spiced nuts provides a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the spritz cookies while adding additional festive flavors.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea balances out the sweetness and rounds out your dessert experience beautifully.

These serving suggestions are sure to impress your guests and make your Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies the star of any holiday gathering! Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies are perfect for meal prep. You can make the dough ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For longer freshness, consider placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze the cookie dough before baking if you want to prepare it in advance. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• When you’re ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with pressing and baking as usual.

Reheating

• If you have leftover baked cookies, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to warm them up.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies.

Can I use margarine instead of butter for Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies?

Absolutely! This recipe already includes margarine as an alternative. It helps achieve that lovely soft texture while keeping the cookies dairy-free.

How long do Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies last?

These cookies can last up to one week when stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the dough or cookies as mentioned above!

Can I add flavors other than vanilla?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon for a unique twist on your Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough is highly recommended as it makes the dough easier to handle and helps prevent spreading during baking, ensuring beautifully shaped cookies.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies brings joy and warmth into your holiday season! These delightful little treats are not only simple to make but also perfect for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy every bite and feel free to get creative with colors and decorations. Happy baking!