1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla or almond extract
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder

With electric mixer, beat butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy. Cover and refrigerate 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Roll out one fourth of dough to 1/4 inch thickness between wax paper. Cut or mold into desired shapes. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake at 375 degrees for 5-7 minutes until firm to touch and edges slightly brown. Cool and decorate.