2 sticks butter, softened
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
2 3/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt (only if using unsalted butter)
1/2 tsp. baking powder

Cream butter and sugar in mixer until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and beat well. Combine four, (salt), and baking powder; add to creamed mixture. Stir well with spoon, then hands to mix evenly.

Roll or pat dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes. Bake at 350 degrees on ungreased cookie sheets for about 15 minutes or until golden around the edges. Yields: 2-3 dozen cookies, depending on size.

Our family likes this recipe because the dough is easy to handle and the cookies are buttery but not too sweet.