1. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, set aside.
1. In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Gradually blend in the sifted ingredients until fully absorbed. Cover dough and chill for 2 hours.
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease cookie sheets. On a clean floured surface, roll out small portions of chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
1. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are barely brown. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.
## Notes
- Originally recipe called for 33/4 cups flour, but many commenters said to use 3 cups
- I used 3 cups, but I want to try with 3 1/4 next time because the cookies rose up and ran a little bit (perhaps too much shortening or baking powder for the amount of flour?)
- I baked at 350°F (176°C) at first but later ended up baking at 400°F (200°C) for six minutes
- Roll out with powdered sugar on rolling pin and surface