Spritz Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this Spritz Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe with you! These cookies have been a holiday staple in my kitchen for years, and I absolutely love how buttery and tender they turn out. What makes them really special is the way you can shape them into all sorts of festive designs—wreaths, trees, stars—and then brighten them up with sprinkles or colored sugar. It’s a recipe that feels classic yet fun, perfect for those cozy afternoons when you want to fill your house with that amazing holiday aroma.

This Spritz Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe works wonderfully when you want a quick, no-fuss cookie dough that’s easy to work with and yields consistent, beautiful results. I’ve found that it’s forgiving enough for beginners but satisfying for more experienced bakers too. Plus, if you’re like me and enjoy getting the family involved in decorating, these cookies bring out the creativity in everyone. You’re going to love how simple it is to whip up a batch and see those pretty shapes come to life right on your cookie tray!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Spritz Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe come together to create a perfectly balanced dough that presses easily but holds its shape beautifully. These simple pantry staples are probably already in your kitchen, making it an accessible recipe whenever you get a craving.

• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter is key here; it gives you the right creaminess for a smooth dough without being oily.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with that light, fluffy texture after creaming.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough while contributing to the rich flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Fresh vanilla makes all the difference—I always use pure vanilla for that warm, aromatic boost.
• Green food coloring: I prefer gel for vibrant color with fewer drops, plus a pale green looks so festive without being over the top.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure so your cookies hold their delicate shapes after baking.
• Kosher salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Sprinkles or colored sugar: For decorating, adding that extra holiday sparkle and fun texture.

Variations

I love that this recipe invites so much personalization—whether you want to switch up the colors, add a twist to the flavor, or make it accommodate any dietary needs. Feel free to experiment and make this your own festive tradition.

• Color Variations: I’ve tried red and white stripes using two different dough batches—so fun and festive! You can also use natural food colorings like beet juice for red tones.
• Flavor Twists: Adding a little almond extract instead of vanilla gives a lovely nutty aroma, and a sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten things up.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: I once swapped in a gluten-free flour blend with good success—just keep an eye on dough consistency and add a touch more flour if too sticky.
• Decorating Ideas: Swap sprinkles for tiny edible pearls or colored sanding sugar to match your holiday theme.

How to Make Spritz Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 375°F. Having that oven ready at the right temperature is crucial so your cookies bake evenly. While it warms up, get out your cookie press—if you’re using one for the first time, give it a quick rinse and dry to help the dough slide through smoothly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat your room temperature butter and sugar together in a large bowl until the mix looks fluffy and pale. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is key because it aerates the dough and sets the stage for tender cookies. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Add the Color

Add your green food coloring drop by drop, mixing it in gently. I’ve discovered that gel food coloring works wonders—you need fewer drops and get a richer color. Usually, I stop at four drops for a soft, festive green that’s playful but not overwhelming. If you go too green, it gets a little Grinch-y, and trust me, you don’t want that.

Step 4: Mix in Flour and Salt

Now, add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Instead of using your mixer here, I like to switch to a wooden spoon or spatula for this part—just stir gently until everything comes together. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as the dough is uniform.

Step 5: Press and Shape the Cookies

Fit your cookie press with a festive disk—wreaths, trees, stars—the choice is yours! Pack your dough into the press and press shapes about an inch apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Here’s a little trick: don’t grease or line your pans. The slight stickiness actually helps the dough release perfectly from the press without losing its shape. Finish by adding your sprinkles or colored sugar, if you want.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies for 7 to 9 minutes until they’re just starting to turn golden around the bottom edges. This timing keeps them tender instead of crisp. Once done, immediately transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before storing. If you try to move them too soon, they might break or lose shape, so patience pays off here!

How to Serve Spritz Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I love using colored sanding sugar—its sparkle really catches the light and makes the cookies look festive and inviting. Sometimes, I add tiny holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter, which gives an extra cheerful vibe especially if kids are involved. However, I usually keep decoration simple because the buttery flavor shines through best with just a little touch of sweetness on top.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of cocoa, spiced apple cider, or a frothy latte—perfect for cozying up by the fire. During holiday parties, I like to serve them alongside a platter of cheeses and nuts, balancing the sweetness with savory bites for adults.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation-wise, I’ve had a lot of fun layering these cookies in clear glass jars tied with a festive ribbon as homemade gifts. For parties, arranging them on a tiered platter with fresh holly leaves feels extra special and helps guests grab cookies easily without messing up the shapes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my leftover Spritz Butter Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. They stay fresh and delightful for up to a week, which makes these perfect for baking ahead and enjoying throughout the season.

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, I recommend freezing the raw dough in logs, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake, just slice and press as usual. Alternatively, baked cookies freeze well too—just let them cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container separated by wax paper.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the cookies in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 3-5 minutes to revive that fresh-baked flavor and texture. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them too soft or chewy—you want to preserve that crisp buttery bite!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried making spritz cookies, I was amazed at how quickly they came together and how beautifully they baked up into festive shapes. This Spritz Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe has become a heartwarming holiday tradition in my house, and I wholeheartedly recommend you give it a try. It’s simple, fun, and the buttery flavor always wins everyone over. So grab your cookie press (or whatever you have handy), mix up the dough, and make some lasting memories with these charming cookies!

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