Spritz Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Spritz Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe because it brings back all those warm holiday vibes with every buttery, melt-in-your-mouth bite. There’s just something about the soft texture combined with that delicate hint of vanilla and the festive green color that makes this recipe an instant classic in my kitchen. Whether you’re baking with kids or hosting a neighbor cookie swap, these cookies always make the occasion feel extra special.

When I first tried this Spritz Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe, I was amazed at how easy the dough was to work with thanks to the cookie press, which helps you create perfect shapes every single time. You’ll find that it’s a fun way to get creative with decorating too — sprinkles and colored sugars really make these cookies pop during the holidays. Plus, this recipe’s straightforward steps mean you’re never overwhelmed, even if baking isn’t your regular thing!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create that rich, classic butter cookie flavor with just the right hint of sweetness and vanilla. Make sure you use good-quality butter and fresh vanilla extract — those little details make a big difference in taste.

• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness perfectly and keeps the flavor clean.
• Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s delicate crunch on the edges.
• Large egg: Gives the dough structure and richness, helping it hold together in the press.
• Vanilla extract: I always recommend pure vanilla extract for the best depth of flavor.
• Green food coloring (liquid or gel): Gel coloring works best for vibrant shades without thinning the dough.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the foundation for the dough’s texture — be sure to measure properly!
• Kosher salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and elevate overall flavor.
• Sprinkles or colored sugar: Optional but fun for decorating and adding a festive touch.

Variations

I love making this Spritz Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe my own by swapping out colors and flavors depending on the holiday mood or who I’m baking for. It’s great to experiment — the dough is forgiving and easy to customize.

• Flavor swaps: I sometimes add a teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla for a lovely, nutty twist that my family can’t get enough of.
• Color variations: Beyond green, red or white dough works beautifully for themed celebrations like Valentine’s or winter parties.
• Dietary tweaks: For a dairy-free option, swapping in a vegan butter alternative works surprisingly well here, just be sure it’s room temperature.
• Decoration ideas: Try using edible glitter or colored sugar crystals for a sparkling winter wonderland effect.

How to Make Spritz Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Soften Butter and Cream with Sugar

Start by heating your oven to 375°F so it’s ready when your dough is shaped — it saves time and ensures your cookies bake evenly. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and lighter in color. This step is key to achieving tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, so don’t rush it — about 2 to 3 minutes should do the trick.

Step 2: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Color

Next, add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until everything is fully combined. Now comes the fun part: adding green food coloring. If you’re using gel coloring like I do, start with a few drops and mix well, adding slowly until you hit your perfect shade of green — I usually stop at around 4 drops for a soft, festive hue that avoids looking too “Grinch-y.”

Step 3: Stir in Flour and Salt

Once your dough looks just right, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Instead of mixing with your electric mixer, switch to a wooden spoon or spatula and gently fold the dry ingredients in until the dough comes together. This keeps the dough from getting too tough and keeps those cookies soft.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies Using a Cookie Press

Here’s where the magic happens! Pack your dough firmly into a cookie press fitted with your favorite disk design — wreaths and trees are my go-tos, but feel free to get creative! Press the dough evenly onto an ungreased, unlined cookie sheet, spacing cookies about an inch apart so they have room to bake without merging. Don’t grease or line your pan; the slight stickiness from the butter helps release the shapes cleanly.

Step 5: Decorate and Bake

Right after pressing your shapes, sprinkle the tops with colored sugar or festive sprinkles for an extra holiday touch. Bake the cookies for 7 to 9 minutes, keeping a close eye so the bottoms turn just golden at the edges but don’t brown too much. Once baked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely — this is important, so your cookies set perfectly without breaking.

How to Serve Spritz Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I personally stick with a scatter of sparkling colored sugar and little red and white nonpareils — they add just the right festive charm and a tiny crunch. When I’m feeling extra fancy, I pipe a quick royal icing outline along the wreath edges to really make them pop. It’s a great way to add elegance without too much fuss.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these cookies with a warm cup of spiced hot cider or peppermint tea for that ultimate cozy holiday feel. Also, they’re a winner alongside a rich eggnog or creamy hot chocolate — the buttery flavor complements creamy drinks beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange these cookies in wreath shapes on platters, filling the center with cranberries or fresh rosemary sprigs to keep the theme going. Another fun idea I tried was stacking layers of cookies between parchment paper in a decorative tin — a perfect gift that looks as lovely as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh and soft for up to a week. I make sure to place wax paper between layers to keep those beautiful spritz shapes pristine, which is especially handy when you want to pull out a few cookies for unexpected guests.

Freezing

Freezing the dough is my go-to for busy holiday weeks. You can press the shapes directly onto a baking sheet, freeze them solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop the frozen cookies straight into a preheated oven — no thawing needed!

Reheating

If your cookies have softened too much, I give them a quick 3-4 minute bake in a 350°F oven to crisp them up again — they come out tasting just like fresh from the oven. Just watch carefully so they don’t brown or dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Spritz Butter Christmas Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my holiday traditions — it’s simple, joyful, and always brings a smile to the faces at my table. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies are a fun, festive way to celebrate the season with buttery goodness and creative flair. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and make it your own holiday favorite too!

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