¾cupunsalted butter at room temperaturethat's 1 ½ sticks
1cupsugar
2eggsalso at room temperature
½teaspoonvanilla extract
2 ½cupsflourI like King Arthur because it's a soft wheat flour
1teaspoonbaking powder
½teaspoonsalt
Instructions
Using a handheld or standing mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla. Mix well.
Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl, mix or sift together. Add to the butter mixture and mix well.
Split the dough between 2 pieces of plastic wrap and using lightly floured hands pat out the dough into two discs. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, better overnight. (Can be made 2 - 3 days in advance.)
Heat the oven to 400°F. Working in batches (leave one disc in the refrigerator while you work the other one); roll the dough out onto a well-floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Keep the dough moving and make sure you have flour under it so it doesn't stick. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters, moving the cookies onto an ungreased cookie sheet (rimmed or not). Place into the upper third of the oven, one tray at a time, and bake 6 - 7 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on racks. Frost with your favorite frosting. Eat and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, work in batches and keep the unused dough cold.