Instructions

1. Wash the cookie press and the plates in hot soapy water. Handle the press carefully to avoid damaging the threaded ends of the cylinder or the screw-on caps. Dry all parts thoroughly with a soft dishcloth.

2. Screw the pressure plate all the way inside the top cap and screw it onto the cylinder.

3. Prepare the cookie dough. See links below for recipes or look for any recipe labeled "pressed cookies" (sometimes called "spritz" cookies.) Follow the recipe directions exactly as the right consistency is extremely important when making pressed cookies. The dough should be soft but not crumbly.

4. Fill the cylinder with the dough. At this point, if you realize the dough is too stiff, you might try adding an egg yolk. If the dough is too moist, add more flour a tablespoon at a time.

5. Place the extrusion plate or pastry tip inside the bottom lid and screw it onto the cylinder. Turn the handle until the dough is ready to come out of the extrusion plate or pastry tip.

6. Place the bottom of the cookie press on the baking sheet and turn the handle until enough dough has come out to see the shape of the cookie. Carefully lift the cookie press straight up so as not to smear the dough.

7. Bake according to the instructions for the recipe. Let cookies set on cookie sheet for 3 to 5 minutes before removing with a spatula. Place the cookies on a cooling rack.