How to Use a Cookie Press

Like most other cookie recipes, it's best to begin by combining the dry ingredients. Either do this by measuring ingredients into a large bowl and mix with a wire whisk. A sifter may also be used to combine the ingredients.

Cream the butter, margarine and/or shortening with the sugar(s) until completely combined.
 

Add the eggs one at a time and combine. Add vanilla and mix completely.

If you prefer to make colored butter cookies, this is the step where the food dye or coloring is added.

Gradually add the dry ingredients until the dough is formed. It's not absolutely necessary, but I prefer to refrigerate the dough before going any further. The dough can be in the refrigerator for just the time it takes to preheat the oven prepare the cookie sheets. Or it can be in for a couple of days. This cookie dough may also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

It is best at room temperature when you are ready to press. 

Roll it into logs for the easiest way to put it into the press. 

There are many different cookie presses on the market.  You can choose a manual one or an electric one.  Read reviews and choose the one that is best for you!

Preheat the oven according to the recipe. Make sure to use an aluminum baking sheet and do not grease it. Fill the cookie press either by spooning the dough into the container or by making a cylinder-shaped piece of dough to fit in the tube.
 

All cookies presses come with several design disks. These at the ones that came with mine. Consult your booklet for the outcome of each disc.

Using the cookie press, dispense dough on a prepared baking sheet. Please keep in mind, not that much space is needed between most pressed cookies. They don't expand very much.

Just before putting the cookies in the oven, decorate cookies with colored sugar, sprinkles, red hots and/or other decors.

The cookie press cookies are done when the edges turn brown. Remove from oven and cool on pan on wire rack for 2 minutes. Finish cooling off of pan and on wire rack. Keep in airtight container.