4 ounces unsalted butter, softened at room temperature for 1 hour
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla powder (or 2 drops vanilla extract, but the powder is preferable)
Pinch of salt
1 1/3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
Granulated sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, beat the butter and confectioners' sugar together until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla, salt, and flour. Mix together with a wooden spoon or your hand until it forms a dough. Don't overmix. Wrap the dough in a plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
3. Roll the dough out to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Cut it into 2 x 3-inch rectangles. Or use a cookie cutter to make some other shapes. Pierce the pieces of dough with a fork three to five times each.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the pieces of dough, evenly spaced, on the parchment-covered sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly brown on top. Allow to cool, sprinkle with granulated sugar, and serve.
Note: The cookies can be stored in a covered airtight container for up to 1 week.