Easy Sand Dollar Cookies

Instructions 

• Preheat the oven to 350° F.
  
• In a large bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar; mix until very creamy.
  
• Add the 2 whole eggs and 2 yolks only, reserve the whites for later from the egg separation above. Beat until well combined.
  
• Add vanilla and salt, blend well.
  
• Add flour and baking powder, stir until the dough is very soft.
  
• Form a ball with the dough, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours.
  
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  
• Roll out dough to 1/4" thick on a floured surface and cut out 2 5/8” circles.
  
• Brush the circles with the reserved egg whites.
  
• Sprinkle each circle lightly with cinnamon sugar and press 5 almond slices into the center of each circle to make a sand dollar.
  
• Bake at 350° F for 3 minutes.
  
• After 3 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and press the almonds in again, making slight indentations in the circle.
  
• Add more cinnamon at this point too, if need be, to adjust the overall coloring of the final cookie.
  
• Place the baking sheet back in the oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, another 10 minutes.
  
• Remove from the oven and let them rest on a baking sheet for 3 minutes.
  
• Transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.