Learn how to make buttery, melt-in-your-mouth spritz with this yummy Christmas cookie recipe! Make the dough in festive shapes and colors, and add frosting or sprinkles to finish.
Spritz cookies have always been a holiday favorite in our family, and I’m excited to share my Mother-In-Law’s simple, tried-and-true recipe with you!
She, along with my father-in-law, have always made the most beautiful and perfect Christmas cookies. So much so that my sister-in-law (her daughter) and I, for the most part, stopped making them ourselves 30 years ago. 😂
Spritz cookies are easier to make “perfect” because the cookie press does lots of the work for you. Give them a try; I know you’ll love them too.
These delicate, smooth cookies are delicious and so much fun to make with a cookie press.
If you’re baking for a party, a cookie tray for gifts, or just want a festive treat, this recipe will bring the holiday spirit to your kitchen.
I’ll walk you through the reliable recipe, along with tips for decorating them to make them truly festive.
Why You Will Love These Cookies
You’ll love these classic spritz cookies because they are simple, fun, and perfect for the holidays! They are made with just a few basic ingredients, but the results are always beautiful and tasty.
The name “Spritz” comes from the German word spritzen, meaning “to squirt.” This describes the process of pressing the dough through a cookie press to form its unique shapes.
I’ll share tips for getting the perfect texture, easy decorating ideas and making them quickly with a cookie press.
These buttery spritz cookies are mouthwatering, festive, and completely irresistible. I promise they’ll become a favorite in your home, too!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick list of the basic ingredients you’ll need, that you probably already have in your pantry.
Powdered Sugar
Confectioner sugar sweetens the Spritz and helps create a slight crispness when baked.
Unsalted Butter
I use high-quality, room temperature, unsalted butter for rich, creamy flavor. It’s the base of the dough and gives the cookies their soft and pillowy texture.
Egg Yolks
The egg binds the dough together, adds just the right amount of moisture, and gives the cookies structure.
Vanilla Extract
This yummy ingredient adds a warm, sweet flavor to the dough.
Almond Extract (optional)
I love adding almond extract for a nutty, classic bakery-style flavor.
All-Purpose Flour
This is the base of the recipe, it provides the right texture for pressing, shaping, and baking the cookies.
Salt
A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the buttery flavor.
Food Coloring & Sprinkles (optional)
The colorful toppings bring all the fun to this recipe and make your cookies look festive.
Special Equipment
Here’s a list of specialized baking tools that are helpful for this recipe, above and beyond your usual supplies for making cookies.
Cookie Press
This tool is essential for creating the intricate cookie shapes (like the green Christmas trees below), that these cookies are famous for. I recommend one with interchangeable discs so you can enjoy a variety of holiday designs. Try the OXO Cookie Press or the Super Shooter. Both are highly rated. (affiliate links)
Read the directions for your cookie press before you begin. Instructions may vary based on your machine. You will choose a shape plate, like a Christmas tree or star, and attach it to the base of your press.
Next, fill the tube with cookie dough and secure the top of the press. Hold the press upright against your baking sheet, press the lever, and lift it away to reveal a perfectly shaped cookie! If your dough sticks, gently release it with your fingers or a knife.
If you do not have a press, use a piping bag with a ½-inch (13 mm) star tip. Add a splash of milk to make the dough pipeable, and you’re ready to create shapes!
Stand Mixer
While you can certainly prepare the dough by hand an electric mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar easy and ensures a smooth dough.
Variations
Here are some fun variations to make your Spritz cookies extra special.
Add a Glaze
My favorite way to finish Spritz butter cookies is by dipping the tops in melted almond bark—just melt it in a microwave-safe bowl for an easy, elegant touch. (see pics below)
If you prefer, you can also drizzle a simple sugar glaze made with 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of whole milk, and ½ teaspoon of clear vanilla or almond extract over the cooled cookies. Either option adds a beautiful finish and a little extra sweetness!
Add Food Coloring
Divide the dough as you like, then add different colors to create a rainbow effect or match the season (like red and green as you see in the photos).
Toppings
Sprinkles are a simple way to make the cookies festive, and there are so many unique and fun varieties to try!
Shapes
You can also use different shapes for different holidays. Use different cookie press discs to create shapes like stars, hearts, or trees!
Use Different Extracts
Instead of just vanilla, try using almond, lemon, or orange extract for a unique twist on the spritz. flavor.
Add a Little Cocoa Powder
Swap out a bit of flour for cocoa powder to make chocolate Spritz cookies
Nutty Spritz
Add finely chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios to the spritz cookie dough for a nutty flavor and texture.
Filled Spritz
Try sandwiching two cookies together with a layer of jam, frosting, or chocolate for an extra treat.
Instructions
Here’s a quick overview of how to make Spritz cookies, step by step! Then, find the full recipe further below.
1 Make the Dough
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In the bowl of a stand mixer, with a paddle attachment, cream softened butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in the egg, vanilla, and any optional extracts. At medium speed, gradually add flour and salt, stirring until the dough is soft but not sticky. Finally add gel food coloring (or regular food coloring) if desired.
2 Prepare the Cookie Press
Attach the disc of your choice to the cookie press and fill it with dough.
3 Press the Cookies
On a ungreased cookie sheet, press the dough into various shapes, making sure to leave a little space between each one. If desired, sprinkle some sugar or colored Christmas sprinkles on top of the different designs.
4 Bake Cookies
Pop the cookies in the oven for about 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. Cool – After baking, let the cookies cool on a wire rack to keep them crisp and ready to enjoy! Store in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap.
FAQ
Yes, you can make Spritz without a cookie press! Use a piping bag with a star or round tip to pipe shapes, or roll the dough into balls, flatten, and press with a fork.
To help your Spritz cookies keep their shape, make sure to use softened butter, avoid overmixing, and press cookies onto an ungreased baking sheet. Chill the dough if it’s too soft.
Spritz cookies may spread too much if the butter is too soft or melted, or if you overmix the soft dough. Additionally, using a greased or lined baking sheet can prevent the cookies from gripping properly, so press them directly onto an ungreased, unlined baking sheet for best results.
Underbake your spritz slightly, add extra butter or milk, and store with a piece of bread to retain moisture.
Tips & Tricks
Here are some expert tips I’ve learned over the years that will help you make perfect Spritz cookies!
Use Softened Butter
Make sure your butter is soft, not melted, so the dough mixes smoothly and holds its shape when pressed. I try to remember to take the butter out of the frig 2 hours before starting the recipe.
Chill the Dough
If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it for about 30 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes pressing the cookies easier.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
Mix the dough just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
Test the Cookie Press
Before starting, always test the cookie press on a piece of parchment paper to make sure the dough is coming out cleanly and the shapes look clean to you.
Bake on the Middle Rack
Bake your cookies on the middle rack to ensure they cook evenly, with no over-browning on top or bottom.
Watch the Time
Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They only need 8-10 minutes, and I take them right as the edges begin to get lightly golden.
What to Serve with Spritz Cookies
Spritz cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with many treats!
Serve them alongside a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for a cozy snack. For a festive touch, add a few other holiday favorites like ginger cookies, classic sugar cookies, or gluten-free sugar cookies to create a delightful dessert spread or put together a cookie platter. They’re perfect for gifting or sharing at your next holiday gathering!
More Dessert Recipes
Here are more delicious sweet treats to make!
Toffee Caramel Popcorn
Chocolate Cream Puffs
Easy Peanut Brittle
Caramel Apple Recipe
Easy Chocolate Cake
Shortbread Cookies with Cookie Cutters
Without further ado, below is the recipe card for Christmas spritz cookies. Enjoy!
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Spritz Christmas Cookie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 100 cookies 1x
Description
This old fashioned spritz Christmas cookie recipe (with optional icing) is perfect for the holiday season. It’s wonderful for sharing and can be customized in so many ways!
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup softened butter
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon almond flavoring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
food coloring (optional)
sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and flavorings. Beat in flour and salt slowly until mixed.
- Add food coloring if desired, then attach your chosen disc to the cookie press and fill it with dough.
- Press the dough onto an ungreased baking sheet in fun shapes, leaving a little space between each cookie. If you like, sprinkle sugar or colored sprinkles on top.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Makes about 100 cookies.
Notes
Use Softened Butter
Make sure your butter is soft, not melted, so the dough mixes smoothly and holds its shape when pressed. I try to remember to take the butter out of the frig 2 hours before starting the recipe.
Make Ahead
You can make Spritz cookies in advance. Bake and store them in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Storage
Store homemade Spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed bag or container.
Spritz cookies typically last about a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If frozen, they can last up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Please comment below and tell me how you liked this spritz Christmas cookie recipe. I’d love to hear from you!
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xo,
Cindy
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About Bloom
Cindy Munson is a lifelong sewer, pattern designer, and former graphic design studio owner. She shares approachable, stylish sewing projects through her blog, Be Brave and Bloom. Her mission is to help others discover the joy of making and live a more creative life. Cindy works from her sunny sewing studio in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband of over 30 years.
Receipt calls for powdered sugar. Directions say add “flour” but flour isn’t mentioned in the ingredients.
Hi Ruth, You’ll find the flour amount is listed right after the flavorings. 🙂
My family loves this buttery spritz cookie recipe! We make it every year. It’s the best! 🙂