I am incredibly excited about my latest food toy, a Wilton Cookie Pro Ultra II cookie press. I never had much luck with mom's metal cookie press, so I don't think I've made spritz cookies in over 30 years. It all started when DSO and I went to cut our Christmas tree this weekend. We go to a local tree farm and the owners always put out mulled cider and a plate of Christmas cookies for the customers. It was those lovely little green Christmas trees that put the idea in my head. Our municipality has a volunteer group that provides services such as transportation to and from doctor's visits to local seniors and adults with disabilities. I coordinate the program and along with a number of volunteers will be delivering pointsettia plants to those neighbors this weekend. I like to include a small goody bag of cookies with the plants and thought that the spritz cookies would be this year's treat.
A recipe is included with the cookie press, though Wilton also has a website with many yummy-sounding recipes. I followed the recipe exactly and was amazed at how simple it was to form the cookies. I dyed one-third of the dough green and another third red. I chose just 3 discs, the Christmas tree, the flower (which was my pointsettia), and one that looks like an ornament. The recipe said the yield was 7-8 dozen, but I got 11 dozen. I baked the cookies exactly 11 minutes. I added colored sprinkles before I baked the cookies since I didn't want to use a frosting and they adhered perfectly and did not burn.
I can't say enough good things about the pro-plus. It is simple to fill, requires no wrist-turning or other special move to produce perfectly-formed cookies; it also washes easily. I was disappointed that one of my disks was broken, but emailed Wilton and a replacement is already in the mail.
Here is the recipe from Wilton's site.
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TASTE NOTES
In addition to being festive and dainty, these spritz cookies were a perfect buttery bite. I'll be making more during the week and will experiment with sandwiching some of them with apricot or raspberry jam. I'm in love with my Wilton Cookie Pro Ultra II!
I've never had good luck with Spritz cookies, but I love how cute they are! Glad you like your new toy :)
ReplyDeleteI love my cookie gun....your cookies came out awesome! So professinal....one of my favorites dipped in chocolate! love spritz~ :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful setting for your tree. I love your last photo.
ReplyDeleteMy mom makes spritz cookies every year, the little trees are always my favorites. ;-)
ReplyDeleteArlene - Your home is beautiful! So nice of you to coordinate the program and include cookies. I'm sure that these cookies will really brighten up everyone's day.
ReplyDeleteI'm really happy to hear your review on the Cookie Pro. I never made cookies like this before, or worked a cookie press. I've always been kind of scared off by the whole concept. Your review makes the whole thing sound doable.
They look great!
I have such wonderful memories of my mother making spritz cookies. She always let us add the multicolored sprinkles just before they went into the oven. I always loved the little shapes she would press onto the cookie sheets. I'm sure the Wilton press would do a much better job than her old metal one.
ReplyDeleteHappy holiday best wishes to you and your family, Arlene.
My mom, Nanny and I used to make these every year. Time for me to buy a cookie press, so I can start the tradition with my little man.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Zack already has some great baby memories, Jess. The cookies Larry brought home were delicious. Do you want to share that recipe?
ReplyDeleteI made the shortbread, and Missy made the chocolate. Glad you enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteWhipped Shortbread Cookies (this is the original recipe, but I usually double it)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 & 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
Directions:
- Pre-heat the oven to 350°
- Combine butter, four and confectioners’ sugar in a bowl. Beat for 10 minutes.
- Drop from a teaspoon onto cookie sheet
- Bake 15 – 18 minutes
- Let cool on a bakers rack
Thanks, Jess. Both cookies were delicious, but yours was actually the recipe I wanted. Simple, but delicious. They were so light, but had such great texture and flavor. Wonder if I could hide a kiss in each one.
ReplyDeleteI bought this exact press after my old faithful one finally broke after 30 years. Spritz cookies have been a yearly tradition. They actually taste better after a few days.
ReplyDeleteYour transportation volunteer work is so praiseworthy, Arlene! Senior citizens truly need and appreciate help like that!