1 lb. butter
2 c. sugar
2 beaten eggs
2 tbsp. cold water
2 tbsp. vanilla
6 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
4 tsp. baking powder

Cream butter and sugar well. Add beaten eggs, then water and vanilla. Work in the flour, which has been sifted several times with the baking powder and salt. Roll out dough and cut with cookie cutters. Do not roll too thin or too thick. Brush tops of cookies with beaten egg. Sprinkle with colored sugars if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes or until light brown. Cool on wire rack.