Ingredients
 5 cups sifted all-purpose flour 
 1 1/2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
 2 tablespoons baking powder 
 1/8 teaspoon salt 
 2 sticks (1/2 pound) butter, softened 
 5 large eggs 
 2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Frosting and Decorating  
 3 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar 
 1 tablespoon melted butter 
 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
 4 or 5 tablespoons water
 Multicolored nonpareils or sprinkles 

Directions
1. For the cookies, preheat the oven to 350*F. In a bowl, mix the flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder and salt. Using your fingertips, blend in the butter until crumbly. Make a well in the center; stir in the eggs and vanilla.
 
2. Knead the dough on a floured board until smooth. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; place 1 inch apart on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden but slightly soft. Transfer to racks; let cool.
 
3. For the frosting, mix the confectioners’ sugar, butter, vanilla and enough water to make a thin frosting. Dip tops of the cookies in frosting, sprinkle with nonpareils (colored sprinkles) and let dry. Makes about 4 dozen