Classic Christmas Spritz Cookies Recipe

Published on December 21, 2020 Updated on December 5, 2023 · By Lise Ode · 3 Comments

This is a Classic Christmas Spritz Cookies Recipe, meaning the sugar cookie dough is spritzed or squirted through a cookie press in different designs. Nothing says Christmas like these cute and classic sugar cookies.

Christmas Spritz cookies made in a cookie press.

Be sure to put this Classic Christmas Spritz Cookies Recipe on your baking list this holiday season because these delicious cookies stand out not only for their delightful taste but also for their charming shapes and vibrant decorations.

Green sugar cookie shaped like a Christmas tree.

In this recipe guide, I'll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating these holiday spritz cookies that will surely bring the spirit of Christmas to your home.

Female baker demonstrating how to make classic spritz cookies.

WHY I LOVE classic christmas spritz cookies recipe

• These are some of my favorite holiday cookies because they remind me of my childhood and taste like shortbread with a hint of almond flavoring. My grandmother and my aunt made these when I was little and they were always one of my favorite holiday treats!

• There are so many different patterns you can use in the cookie press to make so many different cookie shapes. I love making different colored dough to make my Christmas cookie tray look extra special and festive! They are also cute with a variety of sprinkles on top.

• The various designs they can take! The cookie press becomes a tool of creativity and imagination. The possibilities seem endless. These cookies become edible works of art, each shape telling a story and adding a touch of elegance to any holiday gathering.

• It's a great holiday project to do with your kids. You'll have so much fun making them!

• Perfect cookie platter to bring to your holiday parties!

Lots of colorful Christmas Spritz cookies.

what you need

Spritz cookie ingredients sitting on the kitchen counter.

INGREDIENTS NOTES

• Butter: Use unsalted butter that is softened at room temperature. Butter adds flavor and structure to the cookies. Avoid using margarine or butter substitutes as they can affect the texture and flavor.

• Food Coloring: Gel-based food coloring is recommended, as it won't alter the dough's consistency. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired color.

• Alternative Flavors and Mix-ins: While the classic recipe features almond and vanilla extracts, you can experiment with other extracts like lemon, orange, or even peppermint for unique flavors. Additionally, finely chopped nuts or citrus zest can be added to the dough for extra texture and taste.

Cookie sheet with baked Christmas cookies on it.

Step 1 - Follow the Classic Christmas Spritz Cookies recipe below to make the sugar cookie dough.

Step 2 - Now comes the time to infuse your dough with the magic of Christmas colors. Divide the dough into separate bowls, one for each color you desire. A few drops of food coloring, carefully kneaded into the dough, will bring your chosen shades to life. Picture vibrant red cookies like Santa's suit or deep green cookies reminiscent of Christmas trees.

Step 3 - Place a third of the colored cookie dough into the press.

Step 4 - Hold the cookie press upright, directly over the ungreased cookie sheet. The cookie press should be touching the cookie sheet. Squeeze cookie press to release dough into the desired cookie shape. Repeat process.

Step 5 - As the dough takes shape on the sheet, seize the opportunity to add a touch of whimsy. Christmas sprinkles can be scattered over the dough. Watch as your cookies transform into mini celebrations of their own with festive sprinkles.

Step 6 - Ensure you've spaced the cookies about 2 inches apart. This gives them the room they need to bake and expand. Bake cookies as directed. Place on a wire rack to cool.

Cookie press and white plate with baked cookies.

EXPERT TIPS

• Butter Quality Matters: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture. The butter should be softened at room temperature, not melted, to achieve the right cookie consistency.

• Chill the Press: Place the cookie press in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before use. A chilled press can help the dough adhere better to the pattern discs and create cleaner shapes.

• Mind the Coloring: When adding food coloring to the dough, start with a few drops and gradually increase until you achieve the desired shade. Gel food coloring is preferable, as it won't affect the dough's consistency.

• Quality Cookie Press: Personally, I've found great success with the Wilton brand cookie press, a trusty companion that consistently delivers beautifully shaped cookies. While I stumbled upon mine on eBay, these cookie presses can often be found in craft stores or conveniently in the baking section of popular retailers like Walmart or Target.

Red, white and green Christmas cookies with sprinkles.

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS

• How do I store them? Once your cookies have cooled, arrange them gently in layers within the airtight container, placing a sheet of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.

• What if I don't have a cookie press? If you don't have a cookie press, you can roll out the dough and use cookie cutters.

• Can I use different types of decorations other than sprinkles? Absolutely! You can use colored sugar, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate for a different kind of decoration.

• Can I skip the almond flavoring? If you're not a fan of almond flavor, you can omit it or substitute it with another flavor extract, such as vanilla extract or peppermint extract.

• Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Shape it into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

• Why are they called Spritz cookies? The name "spritz" for these cookies is derived from the German word "spritzen," which means "to squirt" or "to spray." The cookies are made using a cookie press, also known as a "spritzen" in German, which allows you to squirt or spray out cookie dough in various shapes and patterns. The process involves pressing the dough through a patterned disc, resulting in cookies with intricate and decorative designs.