Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies

Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays. These cookies are not only simple to make but also offer a beautiful presentation, making them ideal for festive gatherings or gift-giving. The use of a Cookie Press allows you to create fun shapes and designs that will impress your family and friends. With their buttery flavor and delightful texture, these cookies are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it easy for anyone to whip up a batch.
• Versatile Shapes: With a Cookie Press, you can create various designs, perfect for any occasion.
• Family Tradition: Baking these cookies can become a fun holiday activity for the whole family.
• Deliciously Buttery: The combination of butter and margarine gives these cookies a rich, satisfying flavor.
• Customizable Colors: Add gel food coloring for festive hues that brighten up your cookie platter.

Tools and Preparation

To make Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies, gather your tools before starting the process. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Cookie Press
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar quick and easy, ensuring a fluffy dough.
• Cookie Press: Allows you to effortlessly form beautifully shaped cookies without needing to roll or cut dough.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy surface for baking; using an ungreased sheet helps the cookies hold their shape.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down sides of bowls and mixing dough thoroughly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies:

For the Dough

• 1 Stick of unsalted Butter, softened
• 1 Stick of Margarine, softened
• 3/4 cup Sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• pinch of Salt
• 3 1/2 cups all purpose Flour
• 1 heaping teaspoon Baking Powder
• optional gel food coloring

How to Make Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Margarine

In an electric mixer, combine the softened unsalted butter and margarine. Mix until fluffy.

Step 2: Incorporate Sugar and Eggs

Gradually add the sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time while alternating with the eggs. Continue mixing until well combined.

Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract

Mix in the vanilla extract, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and baking powder.

Step 5: Blend Dry Mixture with Wet Ingredients

Slowly add the dry mixture into the butter mixture by hand. Stir gently to avoid overworking the dough.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the dough for about 15 minutes. This helps it firm up for easier handling.

Step 7: Chill Your Baking Sheet

Place your baking sheet in the fridge for another 15 minutes. Chilled pans help cookies stick better during baking.

Step 8: Prepare Your Cookie Press

Load your Cookie Press according to its instructions. If your dough is too soft, chill it further; if it’s too stiff, let it sit at room temperature briefly.

Step 9: Shape Your Cookies

Press cookies onto an ungreased baking sheet. Decorate with sprinkles or sanding sugar before baking.

Step 10: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

Enjoy your batch of Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies!

How to Serve Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies

These delightful Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, and they can be served in various creative ways. Here are some fun serving suggestions to make your cookie presentation festive and enjoyable.

Festive Cookie Platters

• Arrange a mix of different spritz cookies on a large platter, adding colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.

Gift Boxes

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes or tins as sweet gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.

Hot Cocoa Pairing

• Serve the cookies alongside warm mugs of hot cocoa for a cozy treat that everyone will love.

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up a decorating station with frosting, edible glitter, and fun toppings, allowing guests to personalize their cookies.

Holiday Dessert Table

• Include spritz cookies on your dessert table alongside other holiday treats like pies and cakes for a delicious spread.

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How to Perfect Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies is easy with a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results!

• Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature for easy mixing and better texture.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough helps maintain its shape when baking, resulting in beautifully formed cookies.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender; overworking the dough can result in tough cookies.
• Test your cookie press: Before pressing all your cookies, test out a small amount of dough to ensure it flows properly from your cookie press.
• Experiment with colors: Use gel food coloring to add vibrant hues to your dough for visually stunning cookies.
• Keep an eye on baking time: Since ovens vary, watch the cookies closely toward the end of baking to avoid over-baking.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies

To complement your Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies, consider serving them with these delightful side dishes. Each option can enhance your festive gathering and create a well-rounded dessert experience.

1. Eggnog: This classic holiday drink pairs perfectly with sweet cookies and adds a creamy touch.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cookies while adding color to your dessert table.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory contrast to the sweet flavors of spritz cookies.
4. Mini Pies: Individual mini pies offer variety and are always a hit during holiday celebrations.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue fountain where guests can dip their spritz cookies for an indulgent treat.
6. Gingerbread Cupcakes: These spiced cupcakes add another layer of festive flavor alongside your buttery spritz cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies, it’s essential to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect your cookie-making success. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or margarine can lead to a dense dough. Always use softened butter for the best texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined for soft, tender cookies.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can cause the cookies to spread too much while baking. Be sure to chill both the dough and baking pan.
• Ignoring the baking time: Cookies can quickly go from perfect to overbaked. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they are lightly golden.
• Forgetting about decorations: Sprinkles or sanding sugar should be added before baking. Don’t forget this step for extra festive flair!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Reheating Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat for a few minutes, flipping gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies.

Can I use different flavors in my Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies?

Yes! You can experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon instead of vanilla.

What type of flour is best for Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies?

All-purpose flour works perfectly for these cookies. It provides the right texture and structure.

How do I know when my Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies are done?

Look for a light golden color around the edges. They should be firm but not hard.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free spritz cookies.

Final Thoughts

Easy Christmas Spritz Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them with various colors and toppings, making them perfect for any festive occasion. Try this recipe and enjoy the joy of baking these charming treats at home!