The Best Classic Christmas Spritz Cookies – Perfect for Cookie Exchanges

Classic Christmas Spritz Cookies are a holiday staple—delicate, buttery, and shaped into festive designs with the help of a cookie press. This lightened version keeps all the traditional flavor and texture while making mindful swaps so you can enjoy them with less guilt. Perfect for cookie exchanges, decorating with the family, or enjoying alongside a cozy cup of cocoa.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and Fun: Iconic shapes and sprinkles make these cookies a holiday must.
Lighter Ingredients: Enjoy a classic treat with reduced-fat butter and sugar substitutes.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies package beautifully for homemade holiday gifts.
Quick to Bake: One batch comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup light butter, softened
• 1/3 cup powdered erythritol or other sugar substitute
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: festive sprinkles or colored sugar

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sweetener until light and fluffy.
• Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract; mix until well combined.
• Gradually add in flour and a pinch of salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Shape the Cookies

• Fill a cookie press with the dough and press cookies directly onto an ungreased baking sheet.
• If desired, decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar before baking.

Bake

• Bake for 7–8 minutes or until edges are just beginning to turn golden.
• Let cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve or Store

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)

Calories: 45 | Carbs: 4g | Fat: 3g | Protein: 1g | Sugar: <1g

Tips for Success

• Use a Room-Temp Cookie Sheet: Helps the dough grip better when using the cookie press.
• Chill Dough Slightly if Needed: If dough feels too soft, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes.
• Watch the Bake Time Closely: These cookies bake quickly and can overbrown easily.
• Add Color: Divide dough and mix in a few drops of food coloring for an extra festive look.

Why This Recipe Works

• Traditional Taste with Less Guilt: All the buttery vanilla-almond flavor in a lighter form.
• Visually Appealing: Their shapes and colors make them a standout on any cookie tray.
• Easy and Reliable: The dough comes together fast and presses easily with consistent results.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are always among the first to disappear at holiday events.

Classic Christmas Spritz Cookies are a joyful addition to any festive celebration. With their delicate texture, buttery flavor, and beautiful shapes, they capture the spirit of the season while keeping things balanced. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to loved ones, or just treating yourself, these cookies bring holiday cheer in every bite.