Any makeshift royal dansk cookie recipes?

I love Royal Dansk Sugar Cookies. You know, the kind shaped like pretzels, circles, squares etc that come in the big blue tin. Anyone have an idea how to make a knock off of these cookies? I gather that I can just make shortbread cookies but what kind of sugar do they use on top and when is it applied? Any thoughts would be great :-)

Any makeshift royal dansk cookie recipes?
DANSKE SMORKAGER OR DANISH BUTTER


COOKIES





1 1/4 c. butter


1 1/2 c. sugar


3 egg yolks, unbeaten


2 1/2 c. flour


1 tsp. soda


1 tsp. cream of tartar


1 1/2 tsp. almond flavoring





Thoroughly cream butter (butter) and sugar. Beat in egg yolks, one at a time. Add remaining ingredients, mix and chill in a covered bowl. Roll dough into small walnut sized balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Press dough with any press dipped in sugar. Bake at 325 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Remove immediately from the cookie sheet. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen.