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STEP 1

Combine powdered sugar and butter in bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Add 2 egg yolks and vanilla; continue beating until well mixed. Add flour and salt; beat at low speed until well mixed.

STEP 2

Divide dough in half. Shape each into a ball; flatten to about 1/2 inch. Wrap each in plastic food wrap; refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.

STEP 3

Heat oven to 375°F.

STEP 4

Roll out dough, one-half at a time (keep remaining dough refrigerated), on lightly floured surface to 1/4- to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut with 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter. Place, 2 inches apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets.

STEP 5

Combine 1 egg yolk and water in bowl until well mixed. Divide mixture into several small cups; tint each with food color as desired.

STEP 6

Paint thin layer of egg yolk paint onto cookies, using small clean paintbrushes, to form desired designs. Bake 5-8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove from cookie sheets to cooling rack. Cool completely.