For decorating: assorted sprinklesgel food coloring, melted white chocolate
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Place the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer (you can also use a hand mixer). Beat for 2 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract, then scrape down the sides.
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, and beat until just combined. Add food coloring if desired.
Transfer the dough to a cookie press. Pipe the cookies onto an UNGREASED baking sheet (no need to leave much room between the cookies—they won’t spread).
Top with sprinkles if desired.
Bake for 7–9 minutes or until lightly golden brown on the edges. Let cool and decorate as desired.
Notes
Troubleshooting for cookies not sticking to the pan: make sure the pan is UNGREASED (no parchment or silicone mat either), clean, and dry. The pan should also be at room temperature (not warm from the oven). Freeze the cookies in a resealable freezer bag or freezer-safe container. Place a piece of wax paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Variations: replace the almond extract with lemon extract or rum extract. Replace ½ cup of the flour with cocoa powder for chocolate spritz (so use 3 cups flour and ½ cup cocoa powder). Decorating ideas: dye with gel food coloring, decorate with Christmas sprinkles either before or after baking, drizzle with chocolate or white chocolate after baking. You can decorate with sprinkles before or after baking. If adding them before baking, brush the tops of the cookies lightly with water if the sprinkles won't stick. If adding them after baking, brush the tops of the cookies with a thin layer of corn syrup so they stick. You can also use a combination of white chocolate + sprinkles after baking.