When the scent of buttery cookies and sweet vanilla drifts through the house, you just know—it’s the holidays. And if there’s one cookie that captures that festive feeling in both shape and flavor, it’s the Holiday Spritz Cookie. These little melt-in-your-mouth morsels are shaped like Christmas trees, stars, and snowflakes, dotted with cheerful red, green, and white sprinkles that look like they jumped straight off a Hallmark movie set.
They’re the kind of cookie that doesn’t just taste good—they feel good. Light, crisp, buttery, and charming, these cookies are fun to make, a joy to decorate, and gone in minutes at any gathering. Whether you’re baking them for Santa, giving them as gifts, or just indulging with a cup of cocoa on a snowy night, Spritz cookies are a holiday must-have.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the most festive, flavorful batch of Holiday Spritz Cookies your kitchen has ever seen.
Why Everyone Loves Holiday Spritz Cookies
The Perfect Balance of Texture and Flavor
Holiday Spritz Cookies hit that sweet spot between a buttery shortbread and a sugar cookie. They’re soft yet slightly crisp, sweet but not overpowering. Each bite melts gently in your mouth, delivering a rich, buttery flavor that’s enhanced with just a hint of vanilla and almond. That balance is what keeps people coming back for “just one more” (which is usually a lie, let’s be honest).
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
What makes these cookies so lovable is how approachable they are. You don’t need a rolling pin or cookie cutters—just a cookie press and some sprinkles. Kids love helping press the cookies onto the tray and decorating them with colorful toppings. They’re also the perfect addition to holiday parties, potlucks, cookie exchanges, and gift boxes. They’re nostalgic, tasty, and just plain adorable.
A Sweet History: Where Do Spritz Cookies Come From?
Spritz cookies have their roots in Scandinavian baking, particularly from Sweden and Germany. The name “Spritz” comes from the German word “spritzen,” which means “to squirt” or “to spray”—a nod to how the dough is “pressed” through a cookie press.
Originally known as Spritzgebäck, these cookies were made for festive occasions and often had intricate shapes and beautiful finishes. Over time, the tradition spread, and now they’re a beloved staple in many American homes during the holiday season.
They’re a perfect example of how simple ingredients, combined with tradition and a bit of creativity, can create something truly magical.
What Makes Spritz Cookies Special for the Holidays?
There’s no denying that a cookie shaped like a little Christmas tree, dusted in red and green sprinkles, just screams holiday cheer. But beyond looks, there’s something sentimental about Spritz cookies. They’re the kind of treat grandma might have made, or the ones you remember sneaking from the tray before dinner.
It’s the simplicity that makes them special. No fancy frostings. No complicated layers. Just buttery dough, a festive shape, and a whole lot of joy.
Plus, they’re:
- Easy to make in large batches
- Fast to bake
- Great for getting kids involved
- Ideal for gifting
In short? They’re a holiday baking dream come true.
Essential Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a deeper look at what makes this simple dough so magical:
Butter: The Backbone of Flavor
Use unsalted butter, and make sure it’s fully softened before you begin. The butter is what gives these cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Skimping on quality here? Not recommended. A good butter = a great cookie.
Sugar: Sweetness and Structure
Granulated sugar helps create that light crispness you want in a Spritz cookie. It also assists with structure so the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Eggs: Binding It All Together
One large egg helps bring the dough together and adds just the right amount of moisture. It keeps the dough soft but not sticky.
Vanilla and Almond Extracts: Flavor Depth
A teaspoon of vanilla is classic, but the ¼ teaspoon of almond extract? That’s the secret weapon. It adds a sweet nuttiness that elevates the cookie into holiday heaven. Totally optional, but highly recommended.
Flour and Salt: The Foundation
All-purpose flour gives body to the dough, while just a pinch of salt keeps the sweetness in check and balances the flavors.
Holiday Sprinkles: The Festive Touch
Use nonpareils (like in the image)—those tiny, colorful dots that stay put during baking. They add crunch, color, and charm.
Let’s Talk Tools: What You’ll Need to Make Spritz Cookies
You don’t need a kitchen full of gadgets to make Spritz cookies, but having the right tools definitely helps:
- Cookie Press: The star of the show. Look for one with interchangeable disks (tree, star, snowflake, etc.).
- Unlined Baking Sheets: That’s right—no parchment paper or greasing! The dough needs to grip the sheet.
- Mixing Bowls: One for wet, one for dry.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To cream that butter and sugar into fluffy perfection.
- Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies evenly.
Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips)
Let’s walk through each step like we’re baking together in your cozy kitchen.
1. Cream Butter and Sugar (⏱️ 3 minutes)
Use a hand or stand mixer to beat 1 cup softened butter with ⅔ cup sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Don’t rush this—it sets the base for your texture.
Pro Tip: Scrape down the sides of the bowl at least once to ensure even mixing.
2. Add Egg, Vanilla, and Almond Extract (⏱️ 1 minute)
Crack in one large egg, 1 tsp vanilla, and ¼ tsp almond extract. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
Pro Tip: Room-temperature eggs blend more easily than cold ones!
3. Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately (⏱️ 1 minute)
In another bowl, whisk 2 ¼ cups flour and ¼ tsp salt. This prevents lumps and ensures an even dough.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures (⏱️ 2 minutes)
Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture while mixing on low. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Pro Tip: Don’t overmix—it can make the dough tough.
5. Load Dough into Cookie Press (⏱️ 2 minutes)
Spoon dough into your cookie press fitted with your chosen festive disk. Pack it in tightly.
6. Press Cookies onto Baking Sheet (⏱️ 5 minutes)
Press directly onto an ungreased baking sheet. Space them about an inch apart. Add sprinkles before baking.
Pro Tip: If the dough isn’t sticking, your sheet might be too slick. Give it a quick wipe with a paper towel to remove excess grease.
7. Bake at 375°F (⏱️ 8–10 minutes)
Pop them in the oven until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Don’t let them brown too much—they’re delicate!
8. Cool Completely (⏱️ 10 minutes)
Transfer to a wire rack and let them cool. The cookies will firm up as they cool down.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though Spritz cookies are relatively easy, a few little slip-ups can make a big difference in texture, shape, and flavor. Here’s how to dodge the most common baking pitfalls:
Dough Too Cold or Too Warm
If your dough is too cold, it won’t press properly—the shapes will break or not stick to the baking sheet. If it’s too warm, it’ll lose its shape once baked. You want that Goldilocks zone: soft enough to press, firm enough to hold shape.
Fix: Let cold dough sit at room temp for 5–10 minutes. If it’s too warm, chill it briefly (10–15 mins) before pressing.
Overbaking or Underbaking
These cookies bake fast, and because they don’t get dark quickly, it’s easy to overdo it. You want just golden edges, not full-on browning.
Fix: Keep an eye on them after 8 minutes. If the edges are golden and centers set, they’re ready.
Using Greased or Lined Baking Sheets
Spritz dough needs to stick slightly to the baking sheet to hold its shape when pressed. Greasing or lining with parchment paper defeats that purpose.
Fix: Use clean, ungreased baking sheets. Wipe off any oil residue before each batch.
How to Get the Best Shapes from a Cookie Press
The charm of spritz cookies is all in their festive shapes. Here’s how to get that tree to look like, well… a tree.
Dough Consistency Matters
Too stiff and it won’t press. Too soft and it’ll blob. The dough should be soft and pliable but not sticky.
Test tip: Do a few test presses. If it won’t release from the press, let it warm slightly. If it’s too soft, chill it for a few.
Pressing Tips and Tricks
- Hold the press flat against the sheet
- Press once and lift quickly
- If the shape doesn’t release, don’t double-press—scrape and retry
Choosing the Right Disk
The tree shape, as shown in your photo, is a holiday classic. Snowflakes and stars are other favorites. Avoid overly intricate disks—they’re harder to press cleanly.
Decorating Ideas to Spark Your Creativity
Your cookies should taste great, but they should look merry and bright too! Here are some decorating tips inspired by the image you provided:
Sprinkle Combos
Use classic red, green, and white nonpareils for that traditional holiday pop. You can also mix in:
- Gold or silver dragées
- Colored sanding sugar
- Mini chocolate chips
Adding Edible Glitter or Colored Sugar
After pressing, try brushing cookies lightly with water, then sprinkle with edible glitter or colored sugar for a frosty effect.
Dipping in Chocolate (Optional Upgrade!)
Melt some white or dark chocolate and dip half of each cookie. Let it set, then sprinkle with crushed peppermint or sprinkles. A delicious way to level up!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time? Storage Tips & Freezing
Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for prepping ahead.
Room Temp Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to 7–10 days. Layer with wax paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Baked Cookies
Spritz cookies freeze beautifully. Just layer them with parchment in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.
Freezing Dough for Later
Shape dough into a log, wrap tightly, and freeze. When ready, thaw slightly and load into your press. Perfect for last-minute baking sprees!
Print
Holiday Spritz Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Holiday Cookies / Christmas Baking
Description
🎄✨ Festive, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth perfection! These Holiday Spritz Cookies are fun to press, easy to decorate, and guaranteed to brighten every cookie platter. Perfect for Christmas gatherings or sweet gifting! 🍪💖❄️
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Cream the softened butter and sugar together until smooth and fluffy. (⏱️ 3 minutes)
Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract; mix until fully blended. (⏱️ 1 minute)
Whisk flour and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually incorporate into the butter mixture. (⏱️ 2 minutes)
Load the dough into your cookie press fitted with a festive disk. (⏱️ 2 minutes)
Press cookies directly onto an ungreased baking sheet and top with sprinkles if desired. (⏱️ 5 minutes)
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, until edges turn lightly golden. (⏱️ 10 minutes)
Let cookies cool on a wire rack before serving. (⏱️ 10 minutes)
Notes
Make sure the butter is fully softened for smooth pressing.
If the dough feels too stiff, add 1–2 teaspoons of milk to help it press easier.
Use an ungreased baking sheet — spritz cookies stick better and hold their shapes.
Almond extract is optional but adds a classic festive flavor boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 36 cookies
- Calories: 95 kcal
Spritz Cookie Variations for Every Taste
Want to spice things up? Try these fun tweaks to your dough:
Chocolate Spritz
Swap ½ cup flour for unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
Lemon or Orange Zest Twist
Add 1 tsp zest of either lemon or orange for a citrusy lift.
Gluten-Free Version
Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend (with xanthan gum) for a celiac-friendly option. The dough may be slightly more fragile, so chill before pressing.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Spritz Cookies
Cookies this festive deserve the right drink pairing. Here are our favorites:
- Hot Cocoa – rich and creamy with a marshmallow topper
- Holiday Teas – spiced chai, cinnamon apple, or peppermint
- Mulled Wine – for grown-up gatherings
They’re also great on a cookie platter next to gingerbread men and peppermint bark.
You may also like : White Chocolate Christmas Puffcorn Munch – A Holiday Classic in the Making
Holiday Gifting: Packaging Your Spritz Cookies
Who wouldn’t love a tin of buttery cookies in their stocking?
Tins, Boxes & Bags
Line festive tins with parchment and layer cookies gently. Or use clear treat bags tied with ribbon.
Tags and Presentation Tips
Add a handwritten tag, or even a printed recipe card. Want to go the extra mile? Include a mini cookie press as part of a baking gift set!
Bringing the Family Together: Make It a Holiday Tradition
Making Holiday Spritz Cookies isn’t just baking—it’s memory-making. Get the kids involved, invite a friend over, or turn it into an annual cookie decorating party.
Let the smell of butter and vanilla fill the house, the laughter echo through the kitchen, and the sprinkles fly everywhere. These are the moments you’ll remember far longer than the cookies will last (which won’t be long).
Final Thoughts: Baking Up Holiday Joy
Holiday Spritz Cookies are more than a recipe—they’re a tradition. With their buttery texture, charming shapes, and sprinkle-covered tops, they’re a reminder that sometimes the simplest things bring the most joy.
Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned holiday host, these cookies will brighten your kitchen, your cookie tray, and your season. So grab your press, your sprinkles, and your favorite playlist, and let’s bake some joy.
Similar recipes :
Rosemary Shortbread Christmas Tree Cookies Recipe – A Buttery, Festive Treat for the Holidays
Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe: A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Delight
FAQs About Holiday Spritz Cookies
1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
It’s not recommended. Margarine can affect flavor and texture. For best results, stick with real unsalted butter.
2. Why won’t the dough stick to the baking sheet?
Your sheet might be too slick. Make sure it’s ungreased and not lined with parchment. Wipe off any oil if you’ve used it before.
3. Can I make these without a cookie press?
You can, but they won’t have the traditional shape. Use a piping bag with a large star tip for a similar effect.
4. How do I get my cookies to stay soft?
Spritz cookies are meant to be a bit crisp but shouldn’t be hard. Avoid overbaking, and store them in an airtight container.
5. What’s the best way to store them?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight tin or freeze for later. They stay fresh up to 10 days at room temp.
