Spritz Cookies

Spritz cookies come from the German word Spritzen which means to squirt referring to the way these cookies are pushed through a cookie press to create beautiful shapes.

Recipe makes about 72 to 84 cookies.

Whatcha Need:

• 1-1/2 cups butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond or lemon or orange, for variation)
• 3-1/2 cups flour
• decorative sprinkles, crystallized sugar, finely ground nuts, etc, for decorating

Whatcha Do:

1. Beat butter with electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar and baking powder; beat well.

2. Add egg and extract, beating until well combined.

3. Beat in as much flour as you can with the mixer, and stir in any remaining flour with a wooden spoon. DO NOT CHILL DOUGH.

4. Pack dough into cookie press; force dough through press onto ungreased baking sheets.

5. Decorate tops, if desired.

6. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until cookies are firm but not browned.

7. Cool on wire racks.