Quick Gold Leaf Cookies in 27 Minutes

Instructions:

1. Cream the softened butter and powdered sugar. Mix until the texture is velvety and smooth, then stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Sift in the flour and salt. Note: Mix just until a cohesive dough forms to avoid developing too much gluten.
3. Roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Note: Use a rolling pin with thickness rings for total consistency.
4. Cut into small circles or rectangles. Ensure edges are clean so they don't brown unevenly.
5. Place on parchment paper and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10-12 minutes. Stop when edges are barely golden.
6. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool completely on the tray. Note: Applying glaze to warm cookies will cause the gold to shrivel.
7. Whisk together the light corn syrup and hot water. Mix until the glaze is thin and fluid.
8. Use a brush to apply a tiny dot of glaze to the center. Note: Less is more; a giant blob will make the gold look lumpy.
9. Use tweezers to lift a piece of gold leaf. Let it float onto the glaze, then press lightly with a dry brush to seal.