After years of trying various recipes with varying success I have settled on this version. It came with the Pampered Chef cookie press. After years of varying success and frustration with getting the cookies to press out of the tube I thought I finally had the answer. Make certain the butter is warm, room temperature,, when you mix the cookies. It worked without a hitch. The cookies came out easily, I did not give up in frustration. I made a second batch. The first success must have been a fluke. I was back to the same problems as always. Laura suggested spraying the form plate with Pam. She tried it and had no problems. Go for it, even if you end up with undefinable mounds instead of daintily shaped cookies, they taste good. I add almond flavoring to the recipe and a few drops of food coloring, red or green to make them festive. Beat until creamy: 1 1/2 cups butter 1 cup sugar Add: 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla ( or almond) extract Stir in: 3 1/2 cups flour Tint with food coloring and mix well. Press though cookie press to shape. Brush with beaten egg white thin with water and sprinkle with sugar or colored sprinkles. Bake at 375 10-12 min.