Sugar Cookies

2 cups (4 sticks) butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
6 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt

Cream butter and sugar together. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Slowly beat into butter mixture. Chill dough for several hours, then roll out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut dough with cutters and bake on cookie sheets in 325 degree oven for about 12 to 14 minutes. Cookies should be just lightly browned on edges. Let cool completely and decorate.