Nothing says Christmas like a platter of festive, colorful cookies, and these Tri-Color Christmas Spritz Cookies fit the bill perfectly! With their buttery taste, bright holiday colors, and delightful shapes, they’re not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make. This recipe will help you create a batch of classic spritz cookies with a twist, adding a burst of red, green, and yellow to your holiday cookie platter. These cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just a cozy treat with hot cocoa.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Spritz Cookies
- Easy to Make: This simple, one-bowl recipe means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holidays.
- Customizable Colors and Shapes: Change up the colors and shapes to match your holiday decor or theme.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies stay fresh and beautiful, making them a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Festive Tri-Color Christmas Spritz Cookies
Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need for this easy recipe:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for these cookies.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cookies puff up slightly.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives a rich, buttery flavor and tender texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and a touch of crunch to the cookies.
- Large Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Vanilla & Almond Extracts: The combination of these two extracts gives a sweet, slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with holiday treats.
- Food Coloring: Red, green, and yellow food coloring to create the tri-color effect.
- Festive Sprinkles (Optional): Adds a fun, decorative touch to each cookie.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Festive Tri-Color Christmas Spritz Cookies
Follow these detailed steps for the perfect holiday cookie experience:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. This ensures even distribution of the baking powder, so your cookies bake evenly.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar together. Use an electric mixer on medium speed and beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, usually about 2-3 minutes. Creaming is essential for light and tender cookies.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined. The extracts add a delicious, festive aroma and flavor that complements the buttery dough.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 6: Divide and Color the Dough
Divide the dough into three equal portions. To each portion, add a few drops of food coloring (red, green, and yellow) and mix until the color is evenly distributed. Add color slowly until you reach your desired shade.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie press fitted with your favorite holiday shapes (or a piping bag with a large star tip), press the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. You can alternate colors for a festive mix on each sheet. Leave a little space between each cookie to allow for minimal spreading.
Tip: If your dough is too soft, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes. This will help it hold its shape when pressed or piped.
Step 8: Add Sprinkles (Optional) and Bake
If you’d like, sprinkle festive decorations on top of the cookies before baking. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake – you want these cookies to stay soft and tender.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, these cookies are ready to be enjoyed or packed into holiday gift boxes!
Tips for the Perfect Spritz Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This makes it easier to cream the butter and ensures a smooth dough.
- Chill Dough if Necessary: If the dough becomes too soft to hold its shape, a quick chill in the fridge will make it easier to handle.
- Experiment with Shapes and Colors: Mix and match cookie press shapes and food coloring to create a personalized look.
Variations on Christmas Spritz Cookies
Once you’ve mastered the classic tri-color look, try these fun variations:
- Chocolate-Dipped Spritz Cookies: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with festive decorations for an extra indulgent touch.
- Peppermint Spritz Cookies: Add a drop or two of peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
- Glittery Gold Cookies: Use edible gold dust or glitter to add a sparkling finish to your cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before pressing or piping.
How Long Do These Cookies Last?
These cookies keep well for up to a week in an airtight container. They can also be frozen for up to a month, making them perfect for early holiday prep.
Can I Use Different Food Coloring?
Absolutely! Customize the colors to match your theme. You could even go for a winter wonderland vibe with blue and white!
What If I Don’t Have a Cookie Press?
A cookie press makes these cookies easy and fun to shape, but you can also use a piping bag with a large star or flower tip for similar results.
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Spritz Cookies
These cookies are versatile and work well in a variety of settings:
- Holiday Cookie Platters: Add them to a festive assortment for a beautiful, colorful display.
- Gift Boxes: Pack them in decorative tins or boxes lined with parchment paper for a homemade gift.
- Holiday Party Favors: Wrap them in clear bags tied with ribbon as sweet take-home favors for guests.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Why These Tri-Color Spritz Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays
These Tri-Color Christmas Spritz Cookies bring a burst of holiday cheer to any gathering. Their vibrant colors, buttery taste, and decorative shapes make them a hit for cookie exchanges, office parties, and family gatherings alike. Plus, the recipe is easy enough for beginner bakers, so it’s a great way to get the whole family involved in holiday baking.
With their classic buttery taste and festive appearance, these cookies have a timeless charm that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these Tri-Color Christmas Spritz Cookies are a holiday must-have.
Conclusion
Tri-Color Christmas Spritz Cookies are a simple yet festive treat that’s guaranteed to bring joy to your holiday season. From their soft texture to their beautiful colors, these cookies are everything a Christmas cookie should be. Try them this season, and watch them disappear off the plate!
So, gather your ingredients, bring out your cookie press, and get ready to bake some holiday magic. Happy holidays and happy baking!
