Christmas Cookie Caper '08: #3 - Spritz Cookies

We've had our cookie spritzer for who knows how long, and I don't know if it's ever seen daylight before! If you don't know what a cookie spritzer (or cookie press) is, it's this nifty little gadget that presses out cookie dough in neat little shapes. We'll definitely be using it every year now that we know how freakin awesome it is! The cookies almost taste like those buttery shortbread cookies that come in those blue tins around Christmas. Ya know those ones that come in weird shapes like pretzels?? If we had sprinkled ours with coarse sugar before baking them, I bet they would've tasted just like 'em! We decided to make ours festive by coloring the dough. We made regular weird shaped cookies (no clue what that shape is), green Christmas trees, and red flowers that we're gonna pretend are poinsettias. I definitely recommend these if you wanna make something easy! Oh and here's a good tip. Don't try to press these cookies onto parchment paper! We almost threw the spritzer away because the cookies wouldn't stick! Follow the directions and put them on an ungreased cookie sheets. ;)

Recipe from Better Homes & Gardens: New Baking Book (2004)

SPRITZ
Prep: 25 minutes Bake: 8 minutes per batch
Makes: about 84 cookies Oven: 375 F

1 1/2 cups butter
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1. In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar and baking powder. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg, vanilla, and, if desired, almond extract until combined. Beat in as much flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour.
2. Force unchilled dough through a cookie press onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Bake in a 375 oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are firm but not browned. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool. If desired, dip tops into icing.