Spritz cookies are a holiday tradition for many families, known for their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive shapes. Pressed into Christmas trees, stars, wreaths, and more, spritz cookies add a pop of color and charm to any holiday table. With roots in Scandinavian baking, spritz cookies have become a beloved part of Christmas cookie platters around the world. Let’s dive into the history of these classic cookies and share a tried-and-true recipe to bring some festive flavor to your holiday season!
In many Scandinavian households, baking spritz cookies is a cherished Christmas tradition, symbolizing warmth, hospitality, and celebration. Over the years, spritz cookies have gained popularity in America and beyond, especially during the holiday season. With their bright colors and delicate designs, spritz cookies have become a timeless treat that brings joy to cookie trays everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8oz unsalted butter, softened
- 7oz sugar
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 egg yolks
- 9 1/2oz all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Tips for Perfect Spritz Cookies
- Use Softened Butter – Soft butter allows for easy pressing through the cookie press while keeping the dough light and delicate.
- Chill the Baking Sheet – A cool baking sheet helps the cookies hold their shape when pressed and prevents them from spreading too much.
- Decorate Before Baking – Add sprinkles, colored sugars, or nonpareils to the cookies right after pressing so they stick well during baking.
Recipe Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the butter, sugars, and orange zest in the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat until the mixture is pale and fluffy, scraping down the work bowl as needed. Add the egg yolks and beat to combine.
- Sift the flour, salt, and baking soda into a separate mixing bowl. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and work the resulting mixture with your hands until it comes together as a smooth dough.
- Shape the dough into small logs. Working with 1 at a time, place them in cookie press and press the desired shapes onto the baking sheets.
- Place the cookies in the oven and bake until their edges start to brown, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Why We Love Spritz Cookies for the Holidays
Spritz cookies are perfect for holiday baking because they’re easy to make in large batches and customizable for the season. Their delicate flavor and crispy texture make them a versatile addition to any holiday cookie tray, and their beautiful shapes add a touch of festive flair. They’re also a great option for gifting, as their vibrant colors and intricate designs bring cheer to any cookie box.
Spritz cookies are a simple yet elegant way to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. Whether you’re carrying on a family tradition or creating new memories in the kitchen, these cookies are a delightful treat to share. Try this recipe, have fun with shapes and decorations, and enjoy the timeless charm of spritz cookies this Christmas!
For more recipes like this, be sure to check out The Christmas Baking Cookbook with 100 festive recipes for holiday bakers. Turn your kitchen into a haven of holiday cheer with The Christmas Baking Cookbook. From traditional gingerbread cookies to sweet innovations such as the eggnog-flavored cupcake, this cookbook is guaranteed to elevate your festive candies. Discover new favorites and expand your repertoire as you sit by the fireside this season with your favorite holiday goodies.
