Butter & Almond Spritz Cookies ~Perfect for Christmas!

Описание: T'is the season for baking Christmas cookies and these melt in your mouth treats are not only delicious but so simple to make too! This Butter & Almond Christmas Spritz Cookie recipe is definitely one that you will want to add to your Christmas baking list!

Butter & Almond Spritz Cookies:

1/2 cup blanched almonds ~I used whole raw almonds with skins~ (1.5 ounces or 43 grams)
3/4 cup granulated sugar (5.2 ounces or 150 grams)
1 cup unsalted butter~ I used salted butter and omitted salt~ (8 ounces or 227 grams)
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp pure almond extract
2 cups all purpose flour (10 ounces or 285 grams)
pinch of salt (omit if using salted butter)

Optional Ingredients: melted chocolate for drizzling over cookies, glacé cherries, icing sugar for dusting.

1. Preheat oven to 375 F oven.
2. Place almonds on cookie sheet and roast for 10 minutes if using blanched almonds and 5 to 6 minutes if using whole almonds with skins on. Let cool completely.
3. In food processor blend almonds and sugar until finely ground.
4. Add butter and process until smooth and creamy.
5. Add egg and flavourings and process again until incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl.
6. Add flour and salt (if using) and process until combined...do not over process.
7. Using a cookie press or pastry bag, pipe rosettes or stars onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Decorate with cherries if using.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until pale golden.
9. Transfer to wire cooling racks and drizzle with melted chocolate or cool completely and dust with icing sugar.
...store in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze to enjoy later. Will keep for a couple weeks in fridge or several months in freezer.

Makes 4 & 1/2 dozen cookies (depending on size)