Spritz Cookies

Spritz cookies get their name from the German word meaning 'to squirt', because the cookie dough is 'squirted' from a cookie press.

Recipe Ingredients:

Cookies:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable shortening
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting: (optional)
2/3 cup vegetable shortening
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar, sifted
1/3 cup water
Paste food coloring (optional)

Decorative sugar sprinkles (optional)

Cooking Directions:

1. For Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; mixing well; set aside.
3. Cream shortening in a medium mixing bowl; gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, beating well. Stir in flour mixture until just mixed.
4. Press dough from a cookie press 2-inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets, using desired shaping discs.
5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool. Decorate cookies with frosting and decorative sugar sprinkles if desired.
6. For Frosting: Combine shortening, salt and desired extract in a medium mixing bowl; beat at medium speed of an electric mixer until well blended.
7. Add sugar alternately with water, beginning and ending with sugar; beat constantly at low speed until smooth. Beat an additional 8 minutes at medium speed.
8. Color portions of frosting with food coloring, if desired.

Makes 5 1/2 dozen cookies.