Spritz cookies are colorful, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delicious; a must for holiday cookie jar!
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon almond extract
Green, Red food coloring
Assorted decorative candies (optional)
*Decorative cookie press
Preheat oven to 374 degrees F.
Stir to combine, flour and salt in medium-sized mixing bowl. Beat powdered sugar and butter in large bowl. Beat in egg, vanilla and almond extract. Gradually add flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended.
Divide dough in half. Tint half red, half green. (Spritz cookies can also be left plain colored) Fit cookie press with desired plate. (you can change plates through-out for variety of shapes) Fill press with dough; press dough 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Decorate cookies with assorted candies.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until just set. Cool completely on wire racks.
*I use my mom's old, awesome vintage cookie press from the 1950's. Look for them at antique stores, flea markets, and yard sales.
You can also purchase a modern version at any gourmet kitchen store.