1 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 lg. egg
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
2 3/4 c. flour

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer. Beat in egg and vanilla. Add baking powder and flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. The dough will be very stiff; blend last flour in by hand. Do not chill dough.

Note: Dough can be tinted with food color. Add small amounts until desired color is reached. For Chocolate Cookies: Stir in 3 ounces melted, unsweetened chocolate (if dough becomes too stiff, add water, a teaspoon at a time).

Divide dough into 2 balls. On a floured surface, roll each ball into a circle approximately 12 inches in diameter and 1/8 inch thick. Dip cutters in flour before each use. Bake cookies on top rack of oven for 6-7 minutes, or until cookies are lightly browned. Yields 4 dozen.