basic spritz cookies
Christmas time is always a wonderful time of the year for me. after moving to tennessee, it’s a little bit different and even though i’m far away from the majority of my family, i can still hold onto a lot of our traditions. of course, my mom is an awesome cook and pretty much everything i know about cooking, i picked up from her. baking is a big part of our Christmases, so of course, i had to bake up a batch of these. it makes Christmas feel a little bit more like the ones i used to know. 🙂
first you need to find a good cookie press. i’m a fan of the metal ones, they are durable and do not eat up batteries like the plastic ones. i found this one on target.com and i’m quite a fan. the barrel is smaller than i would like, but it works like a champ!
now for the recipe:
- 1/2 c butter, softened
- 1/4 c shortening
- 3/4 c granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla*
- 2 c flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- place butter and shortening in large mixing bowl. cream together on medium speed.
- add sugar gradually, beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- add egg and vanilla; mix well using medium speed.
- combine flour, baking powder and salt in separate bowl. add to butter/sugar mixture in 3 additions; mixing well after each addition. dough will be stiff. (add desired amount of food coloring at this point.)
- assemble cookie press and fill with dough, using desired disc.
- press cookies on un-greased cookie sheet. decorate.
- bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. do not overbake.
*you can substitute any flavor extract for vanilla, i use orange extract and grate in a bit of orange rind.
enjoy!
The trees with the cinnamon candy on top always reminds me of my mom making “Barry’s Christmas trees.” Thanks for the post!
I didn’t know that these are Barry’s Christmas Trees! Or maybe I did at one time and forgot. Anyways, they are pretty tasty! I think I might make them for Valentine’s day with raspberry extract and red die. The cookie press that I bought has a ton of designs, including hearts. 🙂
I have three cookie presses. I have to say I like the battery powered one better. I used to use the heart shaped design for the “coffee bites” I made for work when I managed the bookstores. All of the staff loved them. Orange zest is always the way to go for me. I am very interested in a raspberry extract though, I’ve never seen it. Where did you find raspberry? Please do tell.
I think I saw raspberry extract in the extract section of the grocery store, but if you want a crazy flavor, try this place: https://www.lorannoils.com/c-6-super-strength-flavors-candy-oils.aspx They’re a Michigan company and I always am glad to support the Michigan economy. 🙂
Awe!!!!! You made your ol ma cry!!!! Uncle Barry insists on the orange zest. I usually leave the zest out now because sometimes it has clogged up my press. You are right sweetie…it just wouldn’t be Christmas without our green trees!!!! I am thrilled that you have the inherited a love for cooking and I am sure Thomas is thrilled as well! I love you Darlin Daughter!
Yah I think that the zest would clog up my press, too…
I love you, too, lady! 🙂