Instructions: In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer, beat butter, sugar, salt, and egg yolk until smooth. Add flour, and beat until well combined. Divide dough into four equal pieces, shape into disks, and wrap tightly in plastic. Refrigerate overnight, or up to 4 days, so that flavors can blend.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, roll one piece of dough out to 1/8-inch thick. Using 2-inch cutters, cut into star shapes, and transfer to ungreased baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.

Bake until edges are lightly browned, 9 to 12 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool. Mix gold dust with vodka to make a paste. Brush lightly onto cookies.

This recipe yields about 6 dozen cookies.

Yield: 6 dozen

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