Poppy Seed Spritz Cookies

Have the baking sheet ready or line it with parchment paper so you can pipe the dough immediately.

Place the cherries briefly on kitchen paper so they don't release too much juice while baking.

The butter is ideal when it yields slightly to the touch but is not runny.

Only mix until everything is combined; this keeps the spritz cookies tender.

Place the piping bag in a tall glass while filling to make it neat and quick.

Leave some space so the mounds don't run together while baking.

Stay by the oven toward the end: baking times may be shorter depending on the tray and oven.

The cookies are still soft when warm; they firm up as they cool.