Christmas Spritz Biscuits Recipes

CHRISTMAS SPRITZ BISCUITS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat the butter with a handheld electric whisk to make sure it's soft. Add the sugar, egg and yolk, vanilla and food colouring (if using) and beat until just combined - the mixture will look slightly curdled. Fold in the flour with a large metal spoon.
• Spoon into a piping bag fitted with a 1.5cm (2/3in) star nozzle. Line two large baking sheets with baking parchment. Pipe squiggles of dough in the shape of little Christmas trees on to the prepared baking sheets, about 8cm (31/4in) long. Space apart as they may spread. Decorate with silver balls or sprinkles. Chill for 30min.
• Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6. Bake biscuits for 10min until set. Cool for 5min on sheets before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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).

BUTTERY SPRITZ COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, cream butter, 1-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar and salt until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg and extracts. Gradually beat flour into creamed mixture., Using a cookie press fitted with a disk of your choice, press dough 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake until set, 6-8 minutes (do not brown). Remove to wire racks to cool completely., If desired, dip in melted chocolate and let stand until set or, in a small bowl, mix remaining 1 cup confectioners' sugar and enough water to reach desired consistency. Dip cookies in glaze; decorate as desired. Let stand until set.