1 c. butter
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs, beaten
4 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt

Combine flour and salt in a bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix butter, 1 cup sugar and vanilla. Add remaining sugar and eggs and beat. Continue to beat on low speed while slowly pouring in flour mixture. Chill thoroughly. Roll dough to 1/8 to 1/4-inch thickness on a greased cookie sheet and bake 8 to 10 minutes in oven preheated to 400°F. Let cookies cool before decorating.

Makes about 6 dozen cookies.