Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Step 2: Mix in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix just until a soft dough forms. If using food coloring, knead it gently into the dough now.
- Step 4: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to firm up for easier pressing.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Use cool, ungreased baking sheets for best results.
- Step 6: Load dough into a cookie press and press desired shapes onto the baking sheets.
- Step 7: Bake cookies for 4-6 minutes, until the bottoms just turn a light golden color. Watch closely to avoid overbaking.
- Step 8: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Step 9: While cookies cool, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and spreadable. Add food coloring if desired.
- Step 10: Frost each cooled cookie and decorate as you like with sprinkles, edible glitter, or drizzled chocolate.
Notes
These cookies are quick and easy, perfect for last-minute baking or gifting. For dairy-free options, substitute half the butter with margarine or plant-based butter. Experiment with flavor twists like cinnamon or almond extract, and upgrade frosting with cream cheese or cocoa powder. Store cookies in airtight containers at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.