Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies: A Simple Holiday Baking Recipe

Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies: the very name conjures up images of twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and the sweet aroma of holiday baking! Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a winter wonderland with these delightful, buttery treats? I know I am! These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a tradition, a symbol of the season, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Spritz cookies, with their delicate shapes and melt-in-your-mouth texture, have a rich history rooted in European baking traditions. Originating in Germany, the word “spritz” comes from the German word “spritzen,” meaning “to squirt,” referring to the process of pressing the dough through a cookie press. These cookies made their way across the Atlantic and quickly became a beloved part of American Christmas celebrations.

What makes easy Christmas Spritz Cookies so irresistible? It’s a combination of factors! Their buttery, slightly sweet flavor is perfectly balanced, making them ideal for pairing with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. The texture is simply divine – crisp edges giving way to a soft, tender center. And let’s not forget the fun factor! Using a cookie press to create intricate shapes is a joy for bakers of all ages, and decorating them with colorful sprinkles adds a touch of whimsy to your holiday spread. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make, making them the perfect recipe to involve the whole family in. Get ready to create some delicious memories!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Sprinkles, for decorating (assorted colors and shapes)

Preparing the Dough:

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to cream together the butter and sugars. This is a crucial step for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave in a spritz cookie.

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes on medium speed. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. You want a pale, almost whipped consistency. This step is important because it incorporates air into the dough, which helps create a tender cookie.
2. Add the Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg until well combined. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). The almond extract really elevates the flavor of these cookies, adding a subtle, nutty note that complements the sweetness perfectly. Don’t skip it if you have it on hand!
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is essential for proper leavening and flavor.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
5. Form the Dough into a Disc: Gently form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to handle and pipe. You can chill it for longer, even overnight, if needed. If you chill it overnight, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before piping to soften it slightly.

Using a Cookie Press:

Now comes the fun part – using the cookie press! This is where the magic happens, and those beautiful, festive shapes start to take form.

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper ensures that the cookies don’t stick to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup. Silicone mats provide even more insulation and can help prevent the bottoms of the cookies from browning too quickly.
2. Load the Cookie Press: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. If it’s too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Load the dough into your cookie press according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Each cookie press is a little different, so be sure to consult your manual if you’re unsure how to load it properly.
3. Press the Cookies: Choose your desired cookie press disc. Hold the cookie press directly over the ungreased baking sheet and press the cookies onto the sheet. Make sure the press is flush against the baking sheet for a clean release. If the dough is sticking to the press, try chilling it for a bit longer. Space the cookies about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
4. Decorate with Sprinkles: Immediately after pressing the cookies, decorate them with sprinkles. The sprinkles will adhere best if you add them before baking. Get creative with your sprinkle combinations! Use different colors, shapes, and sizes to create a festive and eye-catching assortment of cookies.

Baking and Cooling:

Almost there! The final step is baking these little beauties to golden perfection.

1. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily. The baking time will vary depending on your oven, so start checking them at 6 minutes.
2. Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking while they’re still warm and delicate.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Spritz Cookies:

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your spritz cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is properly softened, but not melted. It should be soft enough to easily cream with the sugars, but still hold its shape.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: This will prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and make for easy cleanup.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different extracts and flavorings. Lemon extract, orange extract, or even a pinch of cardamom can add a unique twist to your spritz cookies.
• Get Creative with Decorations: Use different colors and shapes of sprinkles to create a festive and eye-catching assortment of cookies. You can also use colored sugars, edible glitter, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate.
• Troubleshooting: If your dough is too stiff to press, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. If your dough is too soft, chill it for a bit longer. If the cookies are spreading too much during baking, make sure your oven is at the correct temperature and that you’re not overmixing the dough.

Storage:

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Variations:

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few variations you can try:

• Chocolate Spritz Cookies: Add ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
• Lemon Spritz Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 teaspoon of lemon extract to the wet ingredients.
• Peppermint Spritz Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the wet ingredients and crush some peppermint candies to sprinkle on top.
• Gluten-Free Spritz Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

Enjoy!

And there you have it! Easy and delicious Christmas Spritz Cookies that are sure to be a hit with everyone. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a gateway to holiday cheer, a delicious tradition waiting to be made your own. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to add a touch of homemade magic to their Christmas celebrations. The simplicity of the dough, combined with the endless possibilities for decoration, makes it a perfect activity for bakers of all skill levels, from seasoned pros to enthusiastic beginners.

But why are these cookies so special? It’s the perfect balance of buttery richness and delicate sweetness, the satisfying snap with every bite, and the sheer joy of creating something beautiful and delicious. Forget store-bought cookies that taste mass-produced; these Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies offer a personal touch that will impress your family and friends. They’re also incredibly versatile.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Beyond the classic sprinkles, consider dipping the cooled cookies in melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white – the choice is yours!). A sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy canes on the chocolate-dipped cookies adds a festive flair and a refreshing burst of flavor. For a more sophisticated touch, try using finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds. You can also experiment with different extracts in the dough. A hint of almond extract elevates the flavor profile beautifully, while a touch of lemon extract adds a bright, citrusy note.

These cookies are fantastic on their own, of course, but they also pair wonderfully with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a glass of chilled eggnog. Arrange them on a festive platter for a stunning centerpiece at your holiday gatherings, or package them in decorative tins as thoughtful homemade gifts. They’re also perfect for cookie exchanges – just be prepared for everyone to ask for the recipe! Don’t be afraid to get creative with your decorating! Use different colors of sprinkles, edible glitter, or even royal icing to create intricate designs. Let your imagination run wild and turn these cookies into edible works of art.

I’ve found that a little bit of sanding sugar adds a beautiful sparkle, especially when the light catches it. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a few drops of food coloring to the dough to create vibrant, colorful cookies. Just remember to divide the dough into separate bowls before adding the coloring to avoid ending up with a single, uniform color.

Ultimately, the best part about these Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies is the opportunity to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Gather your family around the kitchen table, put on some festive music, and enjoy the process of baking and decorating together. It’s a wonderful way to bond and create traditions that will be cherished for years to come.

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a delicious baking adventure. I’m confident that you’ll love these cookies as much as I do. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Please, try this recipe and share your photos, tips, and variations in the comments below. Let’s spread the holiday cheer, one delicious cookie at a time! Happy baking!

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