A tray of holiday cookies isn’t complete without a few buttery sprinkle cookies. Christmas spritz cookies are so pretty especially since they’re in such happy shapes, from little trees and wreaths to stars and flowers. They look fancy and festive, but the secret to their appeal is simple butter cookie dough + a classic cookie press.
These Buttery Christmas Spritz Cookies are the type of treat you can bring to cookie exchanges, give away as homemade gifts, or make in the afternoon with your family. Their soft texture and rich butter flavour are so good, you don’t even need fancy frosting.
The most difficult part is getting the dough to work in the cookie press. Too stiff and the shapes can be hard to form; too soft and the dough can get lost in its own definition. A little attention to dough consistency makes for a big difference in finished cookies.
What Are Spritz Cookies?
Christmas spritz cookies are little butter cookies made with a cookie press. The press forces the dough through a decorative disc, making shapes especially popular during the holidays.
The name comes from the German word spritzen, to squirt or spray. Spritz cookies are a part of the European butter cookie tradition and a familiar American Christmas baking tradition.
Spritz cookies are not like cutout sugar cookies, which have to be rolled out and cut into individual shapes. The cookie press itself gives them their decorative look.
The finished cookies are generally small, buttery and lightly crisp with a tender bite. They are especially nice, if decorated with coloured sugar or sprinkles.
What’s the Difference Between Spritz Cookies and Regular Butter Cookies?
Spritz cookies fall under the larger umbrella of butter cookies, but their dough is formulated specifically to work in a cookie press. It should be soft enough to pass through the press, but firm enough to hold a decorative shape.
Regular butter cookies can be shaped by hand, sliced from a log, or rolled and cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Those doughs aren’t necessarily the consistencies you want for pressing.
The flavour is often similar, butter and vanilla giving the familiar richness. Spritz cookies, in contrast, tend to have a delicate, even look that makes them especially great for holiday trays.
Cookie presses also make smaller cookies with decorative ridges and details. Those shapes can get a nice crispness around the edges and stay tender in the middle.
What Makes These Spritz Cookies So Rich?
Butter is key to the taste of classic spritz cookies. Because the dough has quite a simple flavour, the quality and freshness of the butter can make a noticeable difference.
Texture is also influenced by butter. The fat adds tenderness, and the way it acts while baking is what makes the cookies hold their shapes well.
It’s important to use butter at the temperature the recipe calls for. If the butter is too cold, the dough can be hard to work with; too warm, and the dough can spread too much.
When done, the cookies should be deliciously rich, but not greasy. A proper balance of butter and flour and sugar gives it that melt-in-your-mouth quality we know and love.
What Type of Flour Should I Use for Spritz Cookies?
Most spritz cookie recipes call for all-purpose flour because it has enough structure to hold the decorative shapes. It also gives a familiar butter cookie texture.
The amount of flour is important. Too much and the dough will be tough and hard to push through the cookie press. Too little and you may end up with spread.
Cake flour has a different protein content and can produce a more delicate result but it is not a direct substitute for every recipe. Different flours can also change how the dough behaves.
For best results, use the flour specified on your recipe card. Cookie press dough is especially sensitive to variations in consistency.
Tips for the Most Perfect Spritz Cookies, Every Time
One of the most common problems with spritz cookies is dough that won’t release cleanly from the press. The dough needs to be the right consistency, and the surface it’s baked on also influences the way the shapes develop.
For classic pressed cookies, a plain, cool baking sheet often outperforms a heavily greased surface. The dough needs to have enough contact with the sheet that it releases from the press but your recipe and equipment will determine just how much.
Another important detail is temperature. If the dough is too warm, it may spread, but if it’s too cold, it can be difficult to press.
Make your cookie shapes fairly uniform in size so they cook evenly. Thin decorative edges may brown faster than thicker centres.
Finally, look at the finished texture and not just the colour. You can do spritz cookies while they are still quite pale, too much browning can make them dry.
What Are the Best Cookie Press Shapes to Make for Christmas?
One of the most popular are the Christmas tree discs as they are instantly recognisable and look beautiful with green sprinkles or coloured sugar. Wreath shapes are other options for a festive touch, especially with small red accents.
Stars and snowflakes can be an elegant collection without a lot of extra embellishment. The detailed edges also make the cookie press design look good.
Some discs make more complex shapes than others. A design with very thin sections may be more delicate baking and handling.
The presentation for gift boxes is beautiful with a combination of simple and detailed shapes. A good rule of thumb when baking cookies is to keep them the same thickness to help them bake evenly as a batch.
How to Decorate Spritz Cookies for Christmas
Classic coloured sanding sugar adds sparkle, but doesn’t obscure the pressed design. The distinctly Christmas themed collection is decorated in red, green and white.
Use small sprinkles to accentuate the middle of wreaths or the tops of little trees. The best decorations enhance the shape, they don’t hide it completely.
Some spritz cookies are dipped or drizzled with chocolate after they are baked. That gives a richer finish, though it alters the simple butter cookie character.
If you’re making cookies for gift boxes, think about how the decorations will hold up in packaging. Dry sprinkles are generally easier to work with than thick frosting.
Can Christmas Spritz Cookies Be Made Ahead of Time?
Spritz cookies are a good holiday baking choice for busy people because there is no need for fussy last-minute decorating. Baked cookies can generally be prepared ahead of time if stored properly.
Depending on the recipe, cookie press dough may also be suitable for short-term refrigeration. But dough that is too cold will be too stiff to press immediately. Just be sure to follow recipe directions for handling.
As an alternative, baked cookies can be frozen. They are easy to portion with their small size but the delicate shapes require careful packaging.
Holiday planning can include getting some made before the busiest days to free up time for desserts that need to be made closer to serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Spritz Cookies
Why won’t my spritz cookie dough stick to the baking sheet?
The dough may be too stiff or the baking surface does not make enough contact for the shape to release from the press. Greased or lined sheets may behave differently than bare metal. For best results follow your cookie press and recipe instructions.
Why do my Spritz cookies lose their shape?
Too much spreading can be caused by dough that is too warm, ingredients in the wrong proportions, or unsuitable baking conditions. The dough needs to be firm enough to hold the details from the press.
Can you do spritz cookies without a cookie cutter?
You can make butter cookies without a press, but they will not be as detailed in shape. Some doughs can be piped with a strong piping bag; not all spritz doughs will allow for this method.
Freezing Christmas Spritz Cookies
Many baked spritz cookies freeze well if protected from moisture and breakage. Let them cool completely before packaging. Separate delicate layers as necessary.
More Easy Christmas Cookies Recipes
If you love Christmas spritz cookies, classic shortbread and butter cookies are a natural next step on your holiday baking list. The Christmas pinwheel cookies add a colourful spiral pattern, and the thumbprint cookies add a fruity contrast.
Mix spritz cookies with gingerbread, chocolate crinkle cookies and a few peppermint treats for a festive cookie box. The variety of flavours and textures adds variety to the assortment.
Buttery Christmas Spritz Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just incorporated.
- Adjust the dough’s consistency if necessary; it should be soft but not sticky.
- Fill your cookie press with the dough.
- Press shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.
- Sprinkle lightly with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
