This delicious recipe, a twist on the holiday cookie favorite, was recommended to us by Cindy Mushet, its creator. Cindy is an expert baker, cooking teacher and author of The Art and Soul of Baking. (Her book won a 2009 International Association of Culinary Professional Award.) She graciously offered us the use of some of her recipes.
A few tips on making these delicious cookies. Orange blossom water is an old world flavoring especially popular in French butter cookies. Its flavor can overpower so only a small amount is used to add a floral note. Vanilla extract can easily be substituted.
Make sure to use soft butter and almond paste at room temperature. This makes the dough pipeable. We used a cookie press and found the dough easy to pipe. For added taste and eye appeal, Cindy suggests you drizzle a few ounces of melted chocolate over the filled cookies. For the recipe, click here.