Grandma Simpson's Spritz Cookies

I grew up halfway across the country from my Grandma Simpson, but that didn't mean we were left out when it came to her Christmas baking.  Every year we would get a box in the mail with lots of little treats- often individually wrapped to ensure that we didn't overindulge in one sitting.  My Grandma was a tiny little woman who didn't stand a chance against a strong wind :-)

Anyway, she made lots of delicious treats, but my favorite were always her Spritz cookies.  My mom and I made them together too- light, buttery dough pressed into delicate shapes through an ancient cookie press then decorated liberally with colored sugar.  Good memories with delicious results!

She passed the recipe on to me when I moved out, but it wasn't until a few years ago that I attempted them myself.  I am soooo glad I did, because they're not hard at all.  The inexpensive cookie press I bought at Michael's for around $10 has worked just fine the past three Christmases with no sign of giving out on me yet.

Although I thought I was done with my holiday baking for the year- and I already broke out the cookie press for pumpkin cookies not that long ago- the rain that poured down all day was just screaming at me to take on a nice, cozy project in the kitchen with my daughter.  She picked out all of the shapes we used today and got the hang of using the press on her own quickly.  Then, like I used to, she got a thrill out of going crazy with shakers full of colored sugar.

These cookies are light and delicate, with a buttery almond flavor.  I highly recommend giving them a try and making some memories with your own family!

Grandma Simpson's Spritz Cookies

Makes 6 dozen cookies

2 1/2 C all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/8 tsp salt

1 C butter, softened

3/4 C sugar

1 unbeaten egg

1 tsp almond flavoring

1. Sift dry ingredients together 3 times.  Set aside.

2. Cream together butter and sugar in large bowl.  Beat in egg and almond flavoring (You may also add food coloring at this point if desired).  Add dry ingredients gradually.  If mixture is too liquid at this point you may add up to 1/4 C more flour.

3.  Use a cookie press to form cookies.   Add decorative toppings if desired.  Bake on ungreased pan at 350 degrees F.  Check after 5 minutes, DO NOT BROWN.  Allow to cool on wire racks.