1 c. sugar
1/2 lb. unsalted sweetened butter (leave out 1/2 hour before to soften)
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
4 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. lemon rind (can use orange rind for a different flavor)

By hand mix sugar and butter; add eggs, rind and vanilla; keep mixing. In separate bowl, mix baking powder and flour. Blend flour mixture into sugar mixture a little at a time. Knead with hands and roll into a ball. Cover with wax paper and refrigerate overnight. Flour pastry board surface and rolling pin. Roll dough into 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters and cut cookies. Place onto cookie sheet (do not grease). Decorate with colored sugar crystals if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Keep watching for desired doneness.

Tastes best next day or when cooled (use wire racks to cool).