Christmas Spritz Cookies

I wanted to share something that really sparks some Christmas cheer at my house during the holiday season, which of course means cookies!  I’m not really sure when this tradition started, but all I know is now we can’t go a year without! 

We call them “spritz cookies” comparable to a sugar cookie, but with a slight short bread vibe. (Sorry describing things isn’t exactly my best skill) I can tell you this for sure; they are absolutely delicious.  My dad is usually the one that makes them every year, and in past years he has even colored them and made them into adorable little shapes.

           

I would also like to note that this isn’t an old family recipe, we aren’t THAT creative! J It’s featured in an older Betty Crocker cookbook that my parents were given when they got married. I really encourage you all to try out this recipe; they make a really great Christmas gift!

Prep Time: 25 min; Bake Time: 45 min

Makes about 30 cookies

Ingredients

1 cup stick butter, softened*

½ cup sugar

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour**

1 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla

½ teaspoon salt

1 large egg

Few drops red or green food color, if desired

•     Heat oven to 400˚ F
•     Mix butter and sugar in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients.
•     Place dough in cookie press. Form desired shapes on ungreased cookie sheet.
•      Bake 6 to 9 minutes or until set but NOT brown. IMMEDIATELY remove from cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack.

* Don’t use margarine or vegetable oil spreads.

** Do not use self-rising flour in this recipe.