Mamie Eisenhower's Sugar (Christmas) Cookies

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cream or milk

Mix flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

Cream butter. Add sugar slowly and beat until fluffy. Stir in well beaten egg yolks and vanilla extract. Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with cream. Chill for at least 1 hour or even overnight.

Roll and cut in desired shapes. Sprinkle with colored sugar before baking (or ice afterwards, when cool). Bake at 375 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes.

Makes 36.