Quick-Mix Spritz

Yield

5 to 6 dozen

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup shortening
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C). Stir flour, sugar, salt and baking powder together in a bowl. With a pastry blender, or two knives, cut the shortening into the dry ingredients until the mixture is full of very fine lumps. It will resemble pie crust or biscuit mix, although not as coarse.

Place the egg into a measuring cup. A large egg will measure 1/4 cup. If it does not, add water to the 1/4 cup line. Add the egg and vanilla to the flour mixture; beat very well.

Place design plate on press and fill. Form cookies on ungreased baking sheets, 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until set and lightly brown. Remove from oven and cool for 1 minute. Remove cookies from baking sheet and place on cooling rack until cool.

Suggestion

Use daisy design plate. Place dragees--better known as "those little silver balls"--in the center and on each petal tip before baking.