This recipe came out of the romance novel "The Mysterious Gift", by Kathleen Creighton, I've modified the recipe slightly.

Cream together until fluffy:

3/4 cups unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar (7.1 ouhces)

Add and beat until smooth:

2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

In a separate bowl mix together (or sift together)

2 7/8 cups bleached AP flour (11 ounces)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until smooth.

Chill overnight.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

On a well-floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thick (or slightly thinner) and cut into shapes. Scraps can be formed back into a ball, chilled and rolled out again.

Transfer cut shapes to parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for 9 to 9 1/2 minutes, until edges are starting to show signs of turning brown. Cool for at least 5 minutes before trying to loosen or transfer the cookies. When they are cool they can be coated with icing. They will last a week or longer if stored in a sealed container.