Source: Chef Glenn Bossie, Kingsmill Resort and Conference Center, Williamsburg, VA
16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large egg yolks
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 cookie sheets with baking paper
Royal Icing
3 egg whites
1 pound powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 drops lemon juice
Beat the butter, sugar, salt and vanilla until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time until fluffy smooth. Scrape the bowl. Add flour and mix until just combined. Do not over mix.
Pipe the cookies or use a cookie press. Leave one inch between the cookies. Bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are a light golden color. Cool on wire rack.
Royal Icing:
Combine all the ingredients and whip on medium speed until it’s a shiny and smooth consistency. This usually takes 2 to 4 minutes to achieve. Consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less egg white.