Christmas Spritz Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Christmas Spritz Cookies are a festive and buttery treat perfect for the holiday season. These delicate cookies feature beautiful shapes and vibrant green colors, making them a delightful addition to any cookie platter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 cookie press
- Leaf green gel food coloring
- Forest green gel food coloring
- Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl or using a standing mixer, cream the softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt together until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Gradually add the flour and mix until the dough comes together.
- Step 5: Divide the dough evenly into three bowls.
- Step 6: Add a few drops of leaf green gel food coloring to one bowl and mix until the color is even.
- Step 7: Add a few drops of forest green gel food coloring to the second bowl and mix well.
- Step 8: Leave the third bowl of dough plain without any coloring.
- Step 9: Follow the instructions on your cookie press to shape the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 10: Sprinkle Christmas sprinkles on top of the pressed cookies for a festive touch.
- Step 11: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 12 minutes, or until they appear lightly baked.
- Step 12: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without altering the dough consistency.
- Try different sprinkles or edible glitter to customize the look for other occasions.
- If you don’t have a cookie press, piping the dough with a large star tip also works well.
Storage
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to three months. To refresh frozen cookies, thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in a low oven if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
Regular liquid food coloring can be used, but it may affect the dough’s texture, making it softer. Gel coloring is recommended for better consistency and vibrant colors.
What if I don’t have a cookie press?
If you don’t have a cookie press, you can shape the dough by hand into small rounds or use a piping bag with a wide star tip to create festive shapes.
PrintChristmas Spritz Cookies Recipe
Delight in these festive Christmas Spritz Cookies, featuring buttery, tender dough pressed into charming holiday shapes, colored with vibrant green hues, and topped with cheerful Christmas sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or a joyful baking activity with family.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Coloring & Decoration
- Leaf Green gel food coloring (a few drops)
- Forest Green gel food coloring (a few drops)
- Christmas sprinkles, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or using a stand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and kosher salt until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, followed by pure vanilla and almond extracts, blending them thoroughly into the creamed mixture for rich flavor.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously until a smooth and cohesive cookie dough forms without streaks of flour.
- Divide Dough: Split the dough evenly into three separate bowls to prepare for coloring variations.
- Color Dough: Add a few drops of leaf green gel food coloring to one bowl and mix until evenly tinted; similarly, add forest green gel food coloring to the second bowl and mix well. Leave the third bowl of dough uncolored.
- Use Cookie Press: Load one portion of dough at a time into your cookie press. If you’re unfamiliar with this tool, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to press the dough into festive shapes onto the lined cookie sheets.
- Decorate Cookies: Immediately after pressing, sprinkle Christmas-themed sprinkles on top to add a festive touch and extra sweetness.
- Bake Cookies: Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn lightly golden and the cookies appear set and firm.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before gently removing them to avoid breakage. Enjoy your beautifully shaped and colorful Christmas Spritz Cookies!
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter is softened but not melted to create the perfect dough texture.
- If you don’t have gel food coloring, liquid food coloring can be used but may thin the dough slightly.
- Make sure to clean the cookie press between colors to prevent color bleeding.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to experiment with other festive food colorings and sprinkles to customize your cookies.
Keywords: Christmas cookies, spritz cookies, butter cookies, holiday baking, festive cookies, cookie press, almond extract cookies
