1 3/4 c  Sifted all-purpose flour
   3/4 ts Baking powder
   1/4 ts Salt
   2/3 c  Unsalted butter**; at room
          -temperature
     1 c  Sugar
     1    Egg; well beaten
   1/2 ts Vanilla extract
     2 tb Milk
MAKES ABOUT 24 COOKIES
** ( 2/3 cups butter is: 1 stick plus 2 2/3 tablespoons)
 Sift the flour, measure, and re sift three times with baking powder and
 salt. Cream the butter; add the sugar and continue creaming until well
 mixed. Stir in the egg and vanilla. Beat in sifted dry ingredients in two
 or three portions alternately with milk, beginning and ending with the
 flour mixture.
 Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. Roll out 1/8 inch thick on a
 lightly floured board and cut into desired shapes. A finish may be made by
 brushing with slightly beaten egg white, then placing blanched almonds
 split lengthwise, pieces of candied cherries, chocolate shot, and the like
 on top. Or sprinkle with granulated sugar.
 Arrange on greased baking sheets and bake in a preheated 400-degree oven
 for 8 to 12 minutes, or until delicately browned. Cool on wire racks. These
 cookies are excellent for glazing with icing made from sifted
 confectioner’s sugar and egg white after they are baked and cooled.
                 
                 Yields       
                24 Servings                
