Spritz Cookies

Homemade Wedding Favors

Makes about 84 cookie wedding favors

Spritz cookies are best made with butter. These can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Present these cookies in small boxes lined with tissue paper and wrap the box with ribbon tied into a bow. Use fabric paint to write a personal message on the ribbon.

What You Need

1 1/2 cups butter

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

3 1/2 cups of plain flour (all purpose flour)

Extra Sugar for dredging

Melted chocolate (optional)

Cookie Press

Method

• Preheat oven to 190 C (375 F, Gas Mark 5).
  
• Using an electric mixer beat the butter on medium speed for about 30 seconds.
  
• Add the 1 cup of sugar and baking powder, continue to beat until combined, scraping the bowl as needed.
  
• Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until combined.
  
• Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Then using a wooden spoon mix in the remaining flour.
  
• Force the unchilled dough through a cookie press in the shapes that you desire onto an ungreased cookie tray. Sprinkle with the extra sugar if desired.
  
• Bake in oven for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are firm but not brown.
  
• Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.
  
• Dip the ends of the cookies into the melted chocolate if desired and leave to set.
  
• Store in an air tight container.

Tips for making spritz cookies

If the dough or weather is too warm, the dough won't hold its shape and may have to be chilled for about 30 minutes before pressing.

If the dough is chilled too long or is too firm, it will be difficult to press thought the design plate.

If the dough is to stiff add a little milk. Form a log shape which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the biscuit press and insert into the prepared press.

Every biscuit press has its own directions, which you should read carefully. You may also like to practice with a few turns.