Christmas Tree Spritz Recipes

PERFECT SPRITZ COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
• In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the butter and powdered sugar on medium speed for 1 minute, until combined.
• Add in the egg, almond extract, and salt and mix for an additional minute, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.
• Turn the mixer to low and add in the flour, mixing until just incorporated.
• Place about 1 cup of dough (depending on the size of your press) into the cookie press. Press cookies onto the baking sheet using the press. Arrange the cookies about 1 inch apart and bake for 6-7 minutes or until lightly golden at the edges.
• Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.
• Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Dip the tops of each cookie into the glaze. Sprinkle if desired. Allow the cookies to set completely before storing.

CHRISTMAS SPRITZ COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Place flour and salt in medium bowl; stir to combine.
• Beat powdered sugar and butter in large bowl until light and fluffy.
• Beat in egg, almond extract and vanilla.
• Gradually add flour mixture--mix until well blended.
• Divide dough in half.
• If desired, tint half of dough with green food coloring.
• Fit cookie press with desired plate (or change plates for different shapes after first batch).
• Fill press with dough; press dough 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
• Decorate cookies with cherries and assorted candies, if desired.
• Bake 10-12 minutes or until just set.
• Remove cookies to wire racks; cool completely.
• Prepare Icing, if desired.
• Pipe or drizzle on cooled cookies.
• Decorate with cherries and assorted candies, if desired.
• Store tightly covered at room temperature or freeze up to 3 months.
• --Icing--.
• Place all ingredients in medium bowl; stir until thick, but spreadable. (If icing is too thick, stir in 1 teaspoon additional milk).

ALMOND SPRITZ PRESS COOKIES

Steps:

• Cream shortening, adding sugar in gradually.
• Add unbeaten egg, sifted dry ingredients, flavoring and a few drops of food coloring. Mix well. (NOTE: you must sift the flour first and then measure or you will add too much flour and the dough will be too stiff!).
• Fill cookie press. Form cookies on ungreased cookie sheets using the tree plate. Decorate with tiny multi-colored sprinkles.
• Bake at 400°F for 6-8 minutes. Cool just slightly and remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. (If you wait too long, they will break when you try to move them.).