Instructions:

Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies (T&T)

There is one rule which I live by when making spritz cookies. It is a tried and true method of achieving consistency every time.

1) Don't grease cookie sheets.
2) Add flour gradually.
3) Check for dough consistency before adding all of the flour.
4) If dough is too dry, add 1 egg yolk.
5) If dough is too soft, chill 30 to 60 minutes.

Source: Martha Stewart

I make a variety of spritz cookies and this is the best cream cheese cookie that I have found. I sometimes like to substitute 1 teaspoon coconut and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for the lemon or orange extract. The combination of coconut and almond is wonderful. Play around with the extracts and see which one you like.

1/2 cup butter flavored Crisco shortening
3 ounces Philly cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon lemon or orange extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Cream shortening, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks and extract beating well.

Mix flour and salt together in a bowl. Add to creamed mixture in 3 additions, mixing well after each addition.

Fill press and make desired shapes on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned around edges.