SWEDISH SPRITZ COOKIES

Buttery shortbread Christmas cookies may be decorated with slivers of red and green cherries and nonpareils. Dough may also be colored with food coloring to suit the occasion. Try different shapes, like daisy shapes in the summer.

    2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
    1 cup confectioners' sugar
    1/4 teaspoon baking powder
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1 cup butter, softened
    3 large egg yolks
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    1 teaspoon almond extract

1.  In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

2.  In a medium bowl, mix the butter, egg yolks, and extracts.

3.  Blend the flour mixture into the creamed butter. There is a
     fine line between dough that is too cold or too warm. If the
     dough is too soft, place in refrigerator for a few minutes, or if
     it has been refrigerated too long, let it sit out a few minutes.

4.  Preheat the oven to 350° .

5.  Spoon a third of dough into a cookie press, select desired
     shape attachments. Line baking sheets with baking parchment
     paper. Press onto parchment-lined sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes.

     Makes 1 large plate for a Christmas or tea party