Almond Spritz Cookies

I should make these during the year but seem to only make them at Christmas.

1 cup softened, unsalted butter
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp almond extract
2 scant cups flour
1/4 tsp salt (none if using salted butter)
1/2 cup ground almonds
125 g semi sweet or milk chocolate squares

In a large mixer bowl beat butter, then add the sugar, vanilla and almond extracts. On low speed add about 2/3 of the flour along with the salt. Add the ground almonds blending well and slowly add the remaining flour.

Fill a pastry bag with some of the cookie dough and cover the rest.

Use a large star tip and pipe dough onto a parchment lined cookie sheet, about 1" apart.

Bake at 350 F for 8-10 minutes. Remove to a rack to cool.

Meanwhile melt the chocolate in a bowl over hot water making sure no water splashes into the chocolate.

Dip one end of cooled cookies into chocolate, add sprinkles if you like, and place in the fridge to set.

This is only a few of the 81 almond spritz cookies this recipe made.