Soft Sugar Cookies

4½ cups all-purpose flour
4½ tsp. baking powder
¾ tsp. salt
1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1½ cups sugar
3 large eggs
5 tsp. vanilla extract

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the butter and sugar and beat together on medium-high speed until soft and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.  Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping down the bowl as needed.  Blend in the vanilla.  With the mixer on low speed, add in the dry ingredients mixing just until incorporated and evenly mixed.  Split the dough into two large ziplock bags and using a rolling pin, roll flat inside the zipped bags. Chill the dough for at least an hour or over night.

Take out one bag at a time, cut the sides and peel the plastic away from the dough. Turn the square slab of dough out onto a flour-dusted surface and using a rolling pin, continue rolling to desired thickness.

Cut out shapes and repeat using the rest of the dough. Place cut dough onto parchment paper and cook in a 350 degree oven for 7-8 minutes. Don't overcook! Let cool and frost with your favorite frosting.

yields 3-4 dozen cut cookies (depending on size)