Christmas Ribbons

These Christmas cookies come out of the cookie press in tri-color ribbons: pink on one side, green on the other, and plain in the middle. The visual effect is festive and eye-catching, and the technique is simpler than it looks.

The dough is a rich butter cookie base with vanilla, lemon (or orange) extract, and enough flour to hold its shape through the press. You divide it into three portions, tint two with food coloring, then load all three colors side by side into the press with the ribbon plate. One press, three colors, instant holiday cheer.

These bake just 6-8 minutes, pulled from the oven while the edges are firm but not browned. The colors stay bright and the cookies stay tender.

Chef Tips

• Do not chill the dough. The recipe specifically says to skip chilling, and for good reason. Cold dough won’t press smoothly through the ribbon plate.
• Use gel food coloring instead of liquid. A tiny drop gives vivid color without adding moisture that could change the dough’s consistency.
• Keep the tints light: pastel pink and soft green look more elegant than bold, saturated colors.
• Cut the pressed ribbons into even 2-3 inch lengths while still on the baking sheet before baking. They spread slightly so leave a little space.

Variations

• Use orange and yellow tints for a fall or Thanksgiving version.
• Dip one end of the cooled cookies in melted white chocolate for an extra-fancy presentation.
• Swap lemon extract for almond extract for a nuttier, more traditional spritz cookie flavor.