Cookie Press Cookies
Colorful and festive, these Cookie Press Cookies are perfect for Christmas or any celebration. They feature a buttery, almond-flavored dough with vibrant red, green, and white colors. Simple to make with a cookie press, they are ideal for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges, offering delightful shapes and flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cream shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and almond extract; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, blend dry ingredients: flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing thoroughly.
- Divide dough into three equal parts; color one part red, one part green, leave the third white.
- Fill cookie press with dough and press out cookies onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Decorate cookies with colored sugar or balls if desired before baking.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your shortening is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar. If you don't have almond extract, vanilla extract makes a suitable substitute. When using food coloring, gel colors work best for vibrant hues without altering the dough's consistency. Consider making a batch of these cookies in different shapes to add variety, perfect for holiday trays or gatherings. Browse more American recipes for festive ideas.
Serving Suggestions
These colorful cookie press cookies are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a glass of milk or hot cocoa. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert. For festive occasions, consider adding a decorative platter with other treats like Mama'S Hermit Cake or Classis Pecan Pie to create a beautiful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cookie Press Cookies contains roughly 247 calories, with 1g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 23g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just ensure it's wrapped tightly to prevent it from drying out. When ready to bake, allow the dough to soften slightly at room temperature before using the cookie press.
What can I use if I don't have a cookie press?
If you don't have a cookie press, you can use a piping bag fitted with a large star tip to pipe the dough onto baking sheets. Alternatively, you can roll the dough into balls and flatten them slightly with a fork or your fingers, though they won't have the same decorative shape.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
To prevent spreading, make sure your butter and shortening are creamed just until combined, not overly mixed. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before pressing can also help maintain their shape while baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).