It's that time of year to getting baking.  We used the Wilton Cookie Press to crank out all different kinds of shapes.  There was Christmas Trees, Wreathes, Flowers, etc.  This was another lesson that Breckin jumped in on for a little bit.  I think it was because we were using a cool cookie gun.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time:  40-45 mins

Servings: approx. 6 dozen

Ingredients:

• 1  1/2 cups butter

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 egg

• 2 Tablespoons Milk

• 1 Teaspoon vanilla

• 1/2 Teaspoon Almond Extract

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

PREHEAT OVEN TO 375 DEGREES

STEP ONE:

In the mixer combine butter and sugar.  Make sure to throughly stir the two together.

STEP TWO:

Add egg, milk, vanilla and almond extract.  Don't forget to allow them to try cracking the eggs (there will be shells to pick out)!

STEP THREE:

Stir together flour and baking powder then gradually add to the mixture.  This will make a smooth dough.

STEP FOUR:

In this step decide if you want colored cookies.  We separate the dough into sections and add food coloring.  Once you have colored the dough place it in the Cookie Press.  Click the cookie press button a few times on the first cookie to get the dough all the way down.  Hold the press gently over the baking pan and click then release.  If there is a mistake just sweep it up and add the dough back into the press at the top.

STEP FIVE:

Decorate the cookies before they head to the oven.  This will allow the decorations to set.  We use sprinkles and red hots.  The red hots usually used as either the tree star or wreath bow.   Have fun with it and let them get creative.  More than anything it's the thought that counts.
 

STEP SIX:
 

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges.  It is important to pay attention to the color as it may not look brown at first but can quickly burn and become hard (As you can see in our top final picture not all are perfect).

Remove and place on a cooling rack.  It will be hard as the parent to not pop one into your mouth while the kids aren't looking.  Go ahead and do it.  I definitely do!