Preheat oven to 350℉. Line large baking sheet with a silicone baking sheet or parchment paper.

In large bowl stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In large mixing bowl with paddle attachment cream the butter, add the sugar cream together until light and fluffy.

Add in the eggs one at a time mixing in between. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Slowly add in the dry ingredients, mix on low until dough is mostly formed. Remove the dough from the bowl and place on floured counter or non stick surface. Work dough together with hands. Be sure not to over work the dough.

Separate the dough into three equal amounts. Using a rolling pin covered in flour roll the dough out until it is 1/4 inches thick. Place the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper and onto a cookie sheet.

Continue with the remaining dough, and stack the rolled out cookie dough on parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Set the cookie sheet with all of the dough in the refrigerator to allow the dough to chill for at least 2 hours.

Remove the cookie dough one section at a time. Cut with cookie cutters, and place onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet. Sprinkle cookies if desired.

Bake at 350 degrees for 9 minutes. Remove from oven prior to any edges turning golden.

Allow the cookies to sit for about 2-3 minutes then remove from the baking sheet to allow to cool on wire cooling rack.