Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Simple & Old Fashioned

 Well, here we are in December.  It is that time!

Here is a simple and tasty and old-fashioned cookie recipe.  It was always a Christmas staple at my house growing up and most of the nieces and nephews still love them - as they remember Grandma making them.


SPRITZ (SWEDISH) COOKIES
1 C shortening (I use butter flavored Crisco)
3/4 C sugar
1 large egg - room temperature
1 tsp. almond extract (some people use rum extract)
2 1/4 C all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
dash of salt
OPTIONAL - food coloring  and/or sprinkles or colored sugars

Preheat oven 400*.  In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).  Add egg and almond extract - mix well.  Add in flour, baking soda and salt until creamed mixture is well blended.
Using a cookie press, fitted with your choice of disk, press dough 2" apart on ungreased baking sheets. (I find it works best if sheets are cool)
If desired sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles.  Mom used to add a half cherry or a pecan piece on top of some.  Bake until set - not brown.  7-8 minutes.
IF you do NOT have a cookie press - simply make little balls (about nickel or quarter size) and lightly press with a fork - then bake.
Such a light and tasty cookie.  Just a perfect cookie BITE!

NOTE:  I have added peppermint extract instead of almond and using the little star shape - made candy cane shapes.  I then drizzle with a bit of powder sugar icing after cooled.


BROWNIES WITH AN EDGE!11111
Make up your favorite brownie mix whether homemade or boxed.  Add crushed peppermints or crushed candy canes to the mix.  Pour into muffin tins and bake.  Adjust your time a little because of muffin tins.  (Need to check early).  
Every brownie now has an EDGE!!!  I am one of those people who love the harder edges of brownies.  This is a good way to get those edges on every single brownie!
Reminds me of hot chocolate with the peppermint in them.

Get those bowls, cookie sheets, recipes and ingredients ready.
TIS THE SEASON

23 comments:

  1. I love your recipes and have tried a few of them. One that really was a hit in my house was the one with apple slices and the pillsbury cinnamon rolls. My husband liked them so much, he has reminded me at the store to buy the cinnamon rolls all the time.

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    1. Thanks - glad that was a hit. I like many of the old-fashioned recipes of my Mom. This is a family favorite.

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  2. The spritz cookies bring back memories of my mom baking these. I did have a cookie press but gave it away when I was clearing out the house for the sale that did not happen.

    I've started my baking - shortbread, gingerbread cake, and rocky road fudge are in containers. The shortbread will be gone in days as it is my son's favorite. I always end up making at least four batches (2 1/2 dozen) by Christmas.

    Enjoy your preparations!

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    1. Me too! I can still close my eyes and see Mom in the kitchen. You started early! She always started the day after Thanksgiving. I guess I need to get busy.

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  3. The cookies look good! Used to have a cookie press and gave it away. We made fruitcake cookies last year and will probably make them again. The brownies sound good. Will have to make them in muffin tins, what a brilliant idea.

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    1. You can still make them without the press. Just as tasty.
      I bet those were good. Yes, got to take care of those people who like edges on the brownies!!!

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  4. Yum on both recipes. I need to make some soon.

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  5. I love I love brownie edges, corners are best. I had a cookie press but no longer. I suppose I need one.

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    1. You can make without the press - just little balls of dough and smash a tiny bit.
      I love corners too!!!!!

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  6. Yum .. Mom used to make those .. I believe the cookie press went to one of my sisters. I no longer make cookies .. my son-in-law & granddaughters makes DELICIOUS cookies for us .. supplying a few at a time. Can't keep many in the house as my husband is a Cookie Monster!

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    1. Cookies are my downfall. I try to not make them often. Funny how so many have gotten rid of their presses. I still have Mom's.

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  7. Fortunately, I love the brownie edges and Hubby likes the squishy middle pieces. Our favorite is with walnuts added and frosting on top. I may just start having those for my birthday cake since they are so good. My Mom used to make the spritz cookies but I could never make them turn out right.

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    1. Funny how people vary in what they like. Edges for me too. Sounds good with walnuts. I usually just put chocolate chips on top when first out of the oven - they melt and I spread it around!

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  8. Thank you for the Spritz Cookie recipe, Cheryl! My mom made those every year while I was growing up, too. Love them!! Your brownie recipe sounds like a great idea as well. I'll have to try them both.
    --Elise

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    1. You are welcome. Such a nice and tasty light bite of a cookie. Not overly sweet.
      Peppermint and chocolate - why not? LOL

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  9. Thank you Cheryl for your post today with recipes and for all of your past posts sharing ways to be thrifty and happy. I read each of your posts.
    Hugs.
    Joy

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    1. Thanks for being here. It is so nice to hear from everyone.
      Glad you enjoy!!!

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  10. Hmmm, now I want to add spritz cookies to my baking list for Christmas. Now where did I put my cookie gun.....

    God bless.

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  11. Replies
    1. Hooray! I left one yesterday about spritz cookies, that I make them every year. Anyway, I thrilled this actually posted 😊

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    2. IT worked!!!! Glad to see you back a posting!!! Glad it worked.

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