1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Decorator sugar crystals

Beat butter at medium speed of an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating well. Add egg and vanilla extract; beat well. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating just until blended. Shape dough into a ball; cover and chill at least 1 hour.

Divide dough into thirds. Work with 1 portion of dough at a time, storing remainder in refrigerator. Roll each portion to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut with a cookie cutter; place on lightly greased cookie sheets. Sprinkle with sugar crystals. Bake at 375 degrees F for 8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool slightly on cookie sheets; remove to wire racks, and let cool completely.

Makes 20 (3-inch) cookies.