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Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies Recipe

Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies Recipe

5.1 from 29 reviews

These Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies are buttery, tender, and perfect for the holiday season. Made with a simple blend of butter, margarine, sugar, and vanilla, these classic cookies are shaped with a spritz cookie press and can be customized with festive sprinkles. Quick to prepare, they offer a delightful buttery flavor and a crisp texture that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale

Butter Mixture

  • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened (113g)
  • 1 stick margarine, softened (113g)
  • 3/4 cup sugar (150g)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (420g)
  • 1 heaping teaspoon baking powder (about 5g)

Optional

  • Gel food coloring (as desired)
  • Sprinkles or sanding sugar (as desired, for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the butter and margarine mixture: Place the softened unsalted butter and margarine in an electric mixer and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a creamy base for the cookies.
  2. Add sugar and eggs: Gradually add the sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, alternating with the eggs. Beat well after each addition to ensure a smooth, well-incorporated batter.
  3. Incorporate vanilla extract: Add the vanilla extract to the mixture and blend thoroughly for flavor.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to ensure even distribution.
  5. Add dry ingredients by hand: Slowly fold the flour mixture into the butter mixture by hand, a little at a time, to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
  6. Chill the dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for about 15 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle and shape.
  7. Chill the baking pan: Place your baking pan in the fridge for 15 minutes to cool it down; this helps the dough stick better and maintain its shape when baked.
  8. Prepare cookie press: Load your spritz cookie press according to its instructions. If desired, add gel food coloring to the dough before pressing for festive colors.
  9. Check dough consistency: If the dough feels too soft, chill it a bit longer. If too stiff, allow it to sit at room temperature briefly to soften.
  10. Press cookies onto pan: Press the shaped cookies directly onto an ungreased, chilled cookie sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for slight spreading.
  11. Add decorations: Before baking, sprinkle decorative sprinkles or sanding sugar on top of each cookie for added festive flair.
  12. Bake: Bake cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden. Avoid overbaking to keep cookies tender.

Notes

  • Do not overwork the dough to avoid tough cookies.
  • Chilling both dough and pan helps maintain cookie shape during baking.
  • Use a cookie press designed for spritz cookies for best results.
  • Gel food coloring allows for vibrant colors without altering dough consistency.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
  • Freezing dough portions before pressing can make handling easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas cookies, spritz cookies, holiday baking, butter cookies, cookie press, festive cookies