1/2 c. sugar
1 stick butter, softened
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla or almond flavoring
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 3/4 c. plain flour
Powdered sugar

Cream 1/2 cup granulated sugar and butter with electric mixer. Add eggs and vanilla. Add 1 cup of the flour, baking powder and salt; mix well. Add the rest of the flour by hand. Roll out to 1/4" thick (not too thin) on surface dusted with powdered sugar (instead of flour). Be sure to dust fancy cutters with powdered sugar after EACH cookie. Bake at 350 degrees for 7 to 10 minutes. Cookies may be painted with thin sugar/water icing if desired.