Spritz cookies

You don't have to have a cookie press to make these buttery cookies.  Just drop dough by spoonfuls and flatten slightly with a spoon.  It's important to use butter, not spreads, and to keep the dough at room temperature if you are using a press.  If the dough seems too soft for a cookie dough, it's just right.  (Trust me, broken many a press forcing dough on a cold day!)

1 1/2 C butter, softened
1 C sugar
1 t baking powder
1 egg
1 t vanilla
3 1/2 C flour

Beat butter with electric mixer for 30 seconds.  Add sugar and baking powder, beat until combined.  Beat in egg and vanilla until combined.  Beat in as much flour as you can, stir in the rest.

Force dough through cookie press onyo ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake at 375 about 8-10 minutes or until edges are firm but not brown.  Cool on wire rack.  Dip tops in icing, sprinkle with colored sugar while icing is still wet.


Powdered Sugar Icing

1 C powdered sugar
1/4 t vanilla
1 T milk, juice or water (I like lemon juice on spritz!)