Spritz Cookies are fun to make, look festive, and taste delicious. They are perfect for the holiday season, and can be made in various colors and shapes.
Cover two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Add butter, sugar and salt to a large mixing bowl and beat until light and fluffy. Stop once to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula.
With the speed reduced to medium-low, add the eggs one at a time, beating until fully combined. Add almond extract and beat for another 10 seconds.
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour and beat until well incorporated.
If desired, divide the dough into 4 equal parts and place into 4 different bowls. Add different gel food coloring to each bowl, I used, green, pink, purple and left one white.
Using a spatula, stir and press the gel food coloring into the dough until fully combined.
Roll the dough into thick logs, cover with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
Fit the cookie press with the desired disk shape.
Remove the dough from the fridge, if the dough is too hard, let it stand at room temperature for a few minutes, but not for too long.
Fit the dough into the cookie press and press the shapes directly onto the prepared baking sheet.
If desired garnish with colorful sanding sugar.
Bake in the preheated oven for 7-9 minutes. Check on the cookies after 5-6 minutes to make sure they don't burn. The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and look matte on the outside.
Remove from the oven, and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, before transferring to a cooling rack.