You’d think that since summer was over that would also mean that wedding season was over too — but not for me! In fact, my wedding season is just getting started for 2013. And, just like last year, that means cookies. If you don’t know what the heck I’m talking about, check out my series of posts from 2012 talking about the Cookie Table tradition that we have here in Northeast Ohio.
My cousin gets married in two weeks and my mom and I have been making a variety of cookies for the event. Last year, I blogged about how Pinterest helped me find new cookie recipes. This time around though, I decided to focus on tried and true recipes that I or my family have been making for awhile.
First up: Spritz Cookies.
Spritz cookies are great because they’re versatile. You can make them using a cookie press (like in this recipe) or you can simply make the dough, roll it into balls, and drop them on the cookie sheet. They really don’t need frosting or a lot of ornamentation — a little decorative sugar is a perfect complement. They’re also a great Christmas cookie to make.
Makes 6-7 dozen small cookies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup margarine, softened
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Decorative sugar
Equipment Needed:
- Stand or hand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric or manual cookie press (optional)*
- Cooking spray
- Cookie sheets
- Cookie cooling racks
*If using a cookie press, I highly recommend purchasing an electric one.
Instructions:
1. With the mixer, combine the margarine and shortening. Beat thoroughly approximately 2 minutes.
2. Once the margarine and shortening are thoroughly beaten, add the sugar gradually. Continue to beat the mixture for approximately 5 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Continue to beat the mixture.
4. Add baking powder. Gradually add flour, mixing the dough slowly until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Mix well for approximately 1 minute, making sure you stop to scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate any lingering ingredients.
5. Once fully mixed, the cookie dough will be stiff.
6. If you are using a cookie press, now is the time to assemble and fill it. Please follow the directions included with your cookie press as they differ from one brand to another. For this recipe, I used a Cuisinart Cookie Press (available for less than $30). If you are not using a cookie press, simply make drop cookies.
Using a cookie press takes practice. Do not expect to make “perfect” cookies the first time you use a cookie press.
7. Once you have assembled and filled your cookie press with dough, press the cookies onto a greased cookie sheet. Leave approximately 1-2 inches between each cookie.
I used the Flower design.
8. Decorating the cookies with sugar is optional, but since the color scheme for this wedding is purple, I went with purple decorative sugar.
9. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown. Reduce temperature to 325 if needed. Be careful not to overbake.
10. Remove cookies from cookie sheet immediately and place on cooling rack.
11. Serve and enjoy!
