Spritz Cookies

This is one of my favorite cookies to make at Christmastime. Trees, poinsettias, wreaths, and ribbons are all common shapes seen on my table in December. But guess what?! It's not strictly a Christmas cookie. Why else would cookie presses include plates with other shapes? So, seeings how I have never made these at a time other than Christmas, I decided to bust out my cookie press and make some heart shaped spritz cookies for Valentine's Day.

Spritz Cookies
(Source: An old family recipe)

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
3 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt

1. Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla.

2. Add eggs and beat well.

3. Sift flour and salt together; add in three additions, mixing well after each addition.

4. Place dough in cookie press. Form desired shapes on ungreased cookie sheet.

5. Bake at 400°F for 7-8 minutes or until just starting to turn golden brown around the edges, being careful not to over bake.