You will Need
4 cups of plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
250g (8oz) softened unsalted butter
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
Long skewers (optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 165oC (325oF). Sift flour, baking powder and salt. In a mixer, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and vanilla. On low speed, add flour mix and beat until just combined. Divide in two, wrap in plastic and rest in the refrigerator for an hour or more

Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 5mm thickness. Use cookie cutters to form shapes. Place on baking tray coated with baking paper or silicon sheet. Insert skewers about half way up the shape

Bake until just cooked and edges slightly colour approximately 15 minutes. Cool on tary and then transfer to wire rack. Use royal icing to decorate