Spritz cookies

Classic Spritz Cookies

There are two cookies I remember having at Christmastime growing up, and this is one of them.  My mom used to make a ton of them, and I remember lots of them being decorated with those little red cinnamon candies.  You won’t see those little candies here… never was a big fan.

I think what’s great about spritz cookies is that you can so easily get the kids involved.  My cookie press is simple to use and the kids can press the cookies and decorate them.  Sam, Claudia, and I spent last night baking these.  I gotta say that my girl is a wee bit heavy-handed on the sugar, so we’ll save hers for family.  The rest will be shared with friends and teachers.  We saved some for lunchboxes too!

Recipe:  Classic Spritz Cookies

1 1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened

1 c. granulated sugar

1 egg

2 Tbsp. milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. almond extract

3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Thoroughly cream butter and sugar.  Add egg, milk, vanilla, and almond extract; beat well.  Stir together flour and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture.  Mix to make a smooth dough.  Do not chill.  Place dough in your cookie press and press cookies onto ungreased cookie sheet.  Sprinkle with colored sugar, if desired.  Bake 8-10 minutes, or until very lightly browned around edges.  Remove to wire rack to cool.

(I use this Wilton Cookie Pro cookie press.  Easy to use and easy to clean!)