1/2 lb. butter
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder

Combine butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla; beat until creamy. Sift flour and baking powder and work into creamed mixture. Refrigerate dough 2-5 hours or overnight. Roll out pieces of dough and cut with cookie cutters. Brush top of cookies before baking with a wash of egg yolk and milk. Bake 375 degrees (6-8 minutes).