Begin by placing the room temperature butter and cream cheese into a large mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is important because it creates the smooth base that gives these cookies their soft texture.

Next, add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the ingredients are fully combined and creamy.

Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed. Incorporate it slowly to avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies dense. The finished dough should be soft, smooth, and easy to press.

If you would like colored cookies, add a few drops of food coloring at this stage and mix until evenly blended. Green works beautifully for holiday trees, while pastel shades are perfect for spring flowers.

Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. While it chills, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

After chilling, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for around 10 minutes before placing it into the cookie press. This helps it press smoothly without cracking.

Fill your cookie press with dough and press the cookies onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Make sure the baking sheet is cool before starting.

Bake the cookies for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the bottoms turn lightly golden. The tops will remain pale, so avoid waiting for visible browning on top.

Remove from the oven and allow the baking sheet to cool completely before pressing the next batch. A warm sheet can prevent the dough from releasing properly.

To prepare the frosting, combine butter, powdered sugar, and milk in a bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add food coloring and mix until evenly tinted. Once the cookies are completely cool, frost and decorate as desired.