Holiday Spritz Cookies
Festive holiday spritz cookies with buttery, sweet vanilla flavor and crisp texture, perfect for cookie exchanges and seasonal gatherings, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, egg, and salt.
- With an electric mixer, beat at medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping the bowl often, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add flour; beat at low speed for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping the bowl often, until well mixed.
- If dough is too soft, cover and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes until firm enough to form cookies.
- Place dough into a cookie press.
- Form desired shapes on cookie sheets, placing cookies about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have a cookie press, you can use a piping bag with a star tip to achieve similar shapes. You can substitute half of the butter with applesauce for a lighter version, or use vegan butter for a dairy-free option. These cookies can also be flavored with almond extract for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
These festive spritz cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. For an extra special touch, consider decorating them with colored sprinkles or icing. They also make a lovely addition to a holiday cookie platter alongside treats like Cream Cheese Dream Bars and Vivian'S Famous Buttermilk Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to regain their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Spritz Cookies contains roughly 320 calories, with 4g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1864mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly browned and the centers appear set. Keep an eye on them as they can bake quickly. If you're unsure, you can always do a test batch to find the perfect baking time for your oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).