Today I am featuring the fourth cookie of the six cookies that we make on my family’s cookie baking day.  I have already featured Colleen’s Candy, Almond Bark Pretzels, and Star Cookies.  We added the Spritz cookie to our cookie baking day about 2 years ago, and were glad we did. It’s fun to have this traditional cookie, and it’s a favorite!  Spritz cookies are made from a buttery cookie dough which is squeezed out of a cookie press and baked.  They were originally a Christmas cookie from the Scandinavian countries.  In order to make Spritz cookies, you will need a cookie press to make the trees, wreaths, and other shapes.  You could make this cookie for any holiday party or for any fun occasion.  The butter and almond flavor will dazzle your guests!

Start by creaming your butter and sugar together in a mixer.

Add in your beaten egg and almond extract.

 In a separate bowl mix the dry ingredients together.  Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.  Then add it slowly to the butter and sugar mixture.

Mix thoroughly.

 Fill cookie press.

Add the design to the top of the press.

Turn the top of the cookie press to drop cookies onto a plain cookie sheet.  Do not use parchment paper and it needs to be ungreased.  

Add colored sugar sprinkles before you bake the cookies or the sugar will not stick.

Bake 10 minutes in a 350 degree oven.  Now you can share this traditional cookie with your family and friends.  This cookie like the other four cookies freezes very well so put any extras in the freezer.