Name: Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 10 ounces white and/or dark candy melts; 3/4 cup holiday sprinkles

There’s just something magical about baking cookies that instantly wraps you in a warm, festive hug, and that’s exactly what this Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe does. These cookies are buttery, chocolatey, and perfectly crisp with that delightful delicate texture spritz cookies are known for. Whether you’re gathering around the kitchen with family or need an easy, crowd-pleasing treat to add to your holiday cookie platter, these will quickly become your go-to.

What makes this Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe so special is the combination of rich cocoa powder in the dough paired with the vibrant holiday sprinkles and candy melts that coat each cookie in a festive finish. Plus, the recipe is straightforward, so even if you’re juggling a million holiday tasks, you can still whip up batch after batch with ease. Trust me, once you try dipping the crisp chocolate dough in melted candy and topping it with sprinkles, you’ll see why this one deserves a spot on your Christmas cookie lineup!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture — think rich chocolate with that classic buttery spritz cookie bite. Grab quality butter and cocoa powder for noticeable flavor boosts, and don’t skip the candy melts; they’re what make the presentation pop!

Butter: Use softened unsalted butter for best creaminess and to control salt levels.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that crisp texture we all love.
Egg: Binds the dough and adds richness.
Vanilla extract: Enhance the chocolate notes and add warmth to your cookies.
All-purpose flour: The structure base of your cookies, use fresh for best results.
Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened to strike a deep cocoa flavor without extra sweetness.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
White and/or dark candy melts: These melt beautifully for dipping and add that festive coating.
Holiday sprinkles: To give these cookies that cheerful Christmas sparkle and color.

Variations

I love playing with variations of this Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe to suit different moods or guests. Don’t hesitate to customize by swapping in flavors or toppings that you enjoy — it makes the baking process even more fun and personal.

Double Chocolate Variation: Add mini chocolate chips into the dough for extra bursts of melty chocolate — I tried this last year, and it was a hit at our cookie exchange party.
Nut-Free Option: Simply avoid any nut-based sprinkles or toppings; this recipe is naturally nut-free, so it’s great for allergy-friendly gift boxes.
Minty Holiday Twist: Stir in a little peppermint extract instead of vanilla, then dip in white candy melts and add crushed candy canes as sprinkles.
Gluten-Free: You can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend with similar results, just be sure to check the blend contains xanthan gum or use a binder.

How to Make Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar until Fluffy

Start by beating your softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture feels light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Don’t rush this step—it’s key for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. When the mixture looks pale and a bit puffed up, you’re good to go.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then mix just until combined. If you overmix here, your cookies might turn out a bit tougher, so ideally stop as soon as the dough looks uniform and silky.

Step 3: Sift and Add the Dry Ingredients

Sift together your flour, cocoa powder, and salt to avoid any lumps. Then, gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently after each addition. This keeps the dough from getting overworked and keeps your cookies tender.

Step 4: Pipe Your Cookies

Transfer your dough into a cookie press fitted with your favorite spritz shape disc. Pipe cookies onto parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving enough space for them to spread slightly. If you don’t have a cookie press, a piping bag with a star tip works beautifully too!

Step 5: Bake Until Set and Cool Completely

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers aren’t browned. It’s tempting to let them bake longer, but watch them carefully so they stay tender. Let your cookies cool completely on wire racks before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Dip in Candy Melts and Add Sprinkles

Melt your candy melts according to package instructions—usually gentle microwaving works best to avoid scorching. Dip half of each cookie into the melted candy, then sprinkle with holiday sprinkles while the coating is still wet. Set them on parchment paper until the coating hardens, usually around 20 minutes.

How to Serve Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe

Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For garnish, I’m all about festive sprinkles—reds, greens, and shimmering whites really catch the eye and scream holiday cheer. Sometimes, I add a light dusting of powdered sugar to the finished cookies for a snowy effect that friends always appreciate.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate or a frothy peppermint mocha for the ultimate cozy holiday vibe. If you’re hosting a brunch or tea, consider pairing with mulled wine or a creamy eggnog—it’s a total crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

Playing with presentation is one of my favorite parts! Arrange the cookies in a tiered holiday cookie stand or place them in clear jars tied with festive ribbons as gifts. For parties, I’ve even created cookie platters with alternating colors and shapes that become a conversation piece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by layers of parchment paper to keep them from sticking or breaking. They stay fresh for about a week, which is perfect because in my house, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

This Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe freezes beautifully. I usually freeze the un-dipped baked cookies on a tray first, then transfer to freezer bags. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw them and dip in candy melts fresh for maximum festive flair.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in a low oven for just a couple of minutes. Avoid microwaving because it can soften their crisp texture and melt the candy coating.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. Just let it soften a bit at room temperature before piping and baking.
What if I don’t have a cookie press?

No worries! You can use a piping bag fitted with a star tip or even shape the dough into small balls and gently flatten them for a homemade spritz look. The texture stays great either way.
Can I use regular chocolate instead of candy melts?

While you can melt regular chocolate to dip, candy melts are specially formulated to give a smooth, quick-drying coating that holds sprinkles well. If using regular chocolate, add a little vegetable oil to thin it out for easier dipping.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft before piping. Also, avoid overbaking, which can cause spreading and hard edges.

Final Thoughts

This Cozy Christmas Chocolate Spritz Cookies Recipe feels like a warm hug on a chilly winter day — it’s simple, festive, and always a joy to share. I hope this recipe brings as much happiness and holiday spirit to your kitchen as it’s brought to mine over the years. Give it a try, and I promise these chocolate spritz cookies will become a tradition you look forward to every season!