Lucky Shamrock Cookies

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. In a bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter until smooth. Add 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar and blend together. Beat in 6 egg yolks, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir in 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour until completely incorporated. Wrap and chill dough about 30 minutes.
2. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut heart shapes with a 1- to 1-1/2-inch cookie cutter. Bake on parchment-lined baking sheets for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly golden around edges. Cool completely.
3. Ice cookies with a thin icing tinted green and sprinkle with white crystal sugar. Arrange cookies to form shamrock shapes, then paint icing stems on serving platter with a brush. Makes 5 dozen.

Originally published in Ladies' Home Journal, April 2010.