{Cookie Week} Vanilla Bean Spritz Cookies

There are few kitchen gadgets that are more fun than a cookie press. These pressed little butter cookies have the simple tastes of Christmas. I added some extra vanilla flavors for a slight twist on an old classic. The cookie press is a lot of fun with the little ones in the kitchen (and big kids too!). You can also add a little food coloring to these if you want to bring a little color to the cookie.

If you are looking for a cookie press, I received mine as a wedding gift. The Crate and Barrel version is almost more of a cookie gun, which makes it very easy to press the correct amount for each cookie.

Vanilla Bean Spritz Cookies
Yields about 4 dozen
1 C unsalted butter, softened
1 C sugar
1 egg
1 TBSP pure vanilla extract
1 vanilla bean
1/4 tsp salt
2 1/4 C AP flour
holiday sprinkles

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, salt and vanilla extract. With a sharp knife, slice open vanilla bean lengthwise. Scrape inside contents into the bowl and mix until combined.

With a spoon or rubber spatula, slowly fold in flour until completely incorporated.

Place desired disk on cookie press. Pack dough into the press. Once cookies are pressed onto ungreased cookie sheet, add sprinkles of your choice.

Bake for 9-12 minutes. These cookies cook quickly and vary based on your cookie sheet, so keep an eye out for them while they bake. Cool on rack.

Happy baking!