Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Buttery Christmas Spritz Cookies are not only easy to make, but they are also a great way to bring festive cheer to your holiday season. The dough is quick to prepare, and you can use a cookie press to create fun, festive shapes in minutes. The addition of almond extract and vanilla creates a delicious, aromatic flavor, while the colorful sprinkles give these cookies their holiday charm. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Red and green sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. The dough will be soft and smooth.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough should come together easily without being too sticky.
5. Use the Cookie Press
Transfer the dough to a cookie press fitted with your desired disk shape. Press the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart, as they will not spread much while baking.
6. Add Sprinkles
Sprinkle the red and green sprinkles or colored sugar on top of each cookie before baking to add a festive touch.
7. Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as they bake to avoid overbaking.
8. Cool and Serve
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious buttery Christmas spritz cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Different Shapes: Use different disks with your cookie press to make various holiday shapes, such as Christmas trees, stars, or snowflakes.
- Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of orange zest or almond flavoring to the dough for a unique twist.
- Add Nuts: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for a crunchy texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: These cookies don’t need reheating—just enjoy them as is!
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to use unsalted butter. Margarine may affect the texture and flavor slightly.
Do I have to use a cookie press?
If you don’t have a cookie press, you can roll the dough into small balls and flatten them with a fork or your hands. However, the traditional spritz shape is best achieved with a cookie press.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before using the cookie press.
Can I use other sprinkles besides red and green?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any colored sprinkles or sugar that fits your theme, like gold or silver for a more elegant touch.
Conclusion
These Buttery Christmas Spritz Cookies are a perfect treat for the holidays. With their light, buttery flavor, festive colors, and simple ingredients, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or just enjoying them with loved ones, these cookies are guaranteed to bring holiday cheer. Happy baking!
Buttery Christmas Spritz Cookies
These **Buttery Christmas Spritz Cookies** are rich, buttery, and perfect for decorating with colorful sprinkles. With simple ingredients and a cookie press, they’re the ideal treat for holiday gatherings or cozy moments with a warm drink.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
Red and green sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. The dough will be soft and smooth.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough should come together easily without being too sticky.
- Use the Cookie Press: Transfer the dough to a cookie press fitted with your desired disk shape. Press the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart, as they will not spread much while baking.
- Add Sprinkles: Sprinkle the red and green sprinkles or colored sugar on top of each cookie before baking to add a festive touch.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as they bake to avoid overbaking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy: Enjoy your delicious buttery Christmas spritz cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea!
Notes
Different Shapes: Use different disks with your cookie press to make various holiday shapes, such as Christmas trees, stars, or snowflakes.
Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of orange zest or almond flavoring to the dough for a unique twist.
Add Nuts: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for a crunchy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg