ELECTRIC SPRITZ COOKIE PRESS RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Stir flour, salt and baking powder in medium bowl until well blended. Beat shortening, butter and powdered sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, almond extract and food color. Beat in flour mixture gradually until blended.
• Fit cookie press with Christmas tree or wreath plate according to manufacturer's instructions. Fill cookie press according to instructions. Press dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 6 to 7 minutes or until set, but not brown. Cool 1 minute on baking sheet. Remove to wire rack to cool completely.
• Place frosting in large heavy-duty resealable plastic bag. Microwave on HIGH 20 to 30 seconds to soften. Knead. Cut very small bottom corner off bag. Drizzle over cookies in a decorative pattern. Place candy bits from frosting in medium bowl. Hold cookie over bowl and sprinkle with candy bits. Let stand 15 minutes or until frosting is set.

Steps:

• In medium bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter and the cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed 2 minutes or until well blended. On low speed, beat in flour until soft dough forms. Cover; refrigerate 1 hour.
• Heat oven to 350°F. Shape dough into 24 (1-inch) balls. Press in bottoms and up sides of 24 ungreased mini muffin cups. In small bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, melted butter, salt and egg with whisk. Stir in walnuts and pistachios. Spoon filling evenly into dough-lined cups, filling three-fourths full.
• Bake 22 to 24 minutes or until filling is set and edges of cups are golden brown. Immediately run knife around edges of cookies to loosen. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling racks.