Use a Cookie Press

Most everyone loves cookies, and you can learn how to make cookies at home once you have a few key ingredients. If you're making fancy cookies, you may need to purchase and use a cookie press. This kitchen instrument is hollow and has a decorative disk at 1 end and a plunger for pushing out the dough at the other. The press distributes a specific cookie shape once you insert the dough and pull a trigger. You can purchase a battery-operated gun, manual gun, or manual cookie press. Learn how to use a cookie press so you can have beautifully presented cookies.

Steps

1. Roll out the cookie dough into a log shape. This shape makes it easier to insert the dough into the cookie press barrel. You don't need to roll the dough out to a specific thickness, but it should be small enough to easily insert small amounts into the press. Place the dough into the press, and push down the plunger or crank the handle, depending upon your press.
2. Select a cookie disk. Many cookie presses come with about 12 to 14 disk templates that feature various designs. These disks are mainly constructed out of either metal or plastic.
3. Remove the ring from the cookie press barrel. Place your chosen cookie disk on top of the barrel, and replace the ring. The ring secures the disk to the press.
4. Set the cookie press vertically on top of an ungreased cookie sheet. The disk portion of the press should be touching the cookie sheet. Squeeze the trigger, and a cookie shape will come out. Gently lift the cookie press to have the dough separate from the press. Repeat this step until the cookie sheet has enough cookies.
   • Make sure that the cookie sheet is ungreased. Pressed cookies must adhere to the cookie sheet otherwise they will not separate from the cookie press.
   • If you have a battery-powered cookie press, instead of pulling a trigger you will need to press a button.
5. Refill your cookie press when it is empty. Some cookie presses have clear barrels, which makes it easier for you to see when you run out of cookie dough.
6. Finished.

Tips

• Most cookie presses also come with decorative tips. Place 1 of these tips on the cookie press to decorate desserts and appetizers.
• If your cookie dough was in the refrigerator and is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. If you fail to do this, the dough may not come out of the press smoothly and may damage a motorized cookie press. The refrigerated dough also will not maintain its shape as well as room-temperature dough.
• If the recipe you're using calls for nuts or other ingredients to add texture, make sure they are small enough to squeeze out of your cookie press disks. Failing to do so can damage your disks or break a battery-operated cookie press.

Warnings

• Only use cookie recipes that are meant for cookie presses. Spritz cookies are a popular option. Certain dough types not designed for cookie presses may have a thicker consistency and may break your cookie press.

Related Articles

• Make Spritz Cookies

Sources and Citations

• http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/tools-and-techniques/kitchen-appliance-tips9.htm
• http://www.wilton.com/blog/index.php/how-to-use-a-cookie-press-for-quick-easy-spritz-cookies/
• http://www.gourmet-cookie-bouquets.com/design/tag/how-to-use-a-cookie-press/
• http://www.ifood.tv/blog/use-a-cookie-pastry-press-for-delicious-pastries

See also

• Choose a Rolling Pin
• Use Oven Safe Glass Bakeware
• Bake With Silicone Cupcake Liners
• Use Measuring Spoons and Cups