Buttery Spritz Cookies

This is my version of a spritz cookie, my family has been making them for as long as I can remember. Both sides of the family claim they originated the recipe. Whoever it was, thank you, these are simply the best. Simple and delicious, it wouldn't be Christmas without them. Don't try to make them any other way then through a cookie press, the result will not be the same.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 48
• Yields: 48 cookies

Ingredients

• 2  cups butter, softened (No substitutions)
• 2  cups white sugar
• 4  egg yolks
• 1  teaspoon  good quality vanilla
• 5  cups  sifted flour

Directions

1. Cream butter until soft in very large mixing bowl. Gradually add sugar,creaming well after each addition until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks one at a time beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Stir in flour a small amount at a time , mix well.
2. Fit dough into cookie press and press onto ungreased cookie sheets. Decorate with colored sugars as desired.
3. Bake at 400 degrees for 7 to 10 minutes.
4. Cookies are done when very lightly browned. Remove to wire rack to cool completely.