Ingredients
All-purpose flour 1 ½ cups
Baking soda ½ teaspoons
Unsalted butter softened ½ cups
Granulated sugar ½ cups
Vanilla extract ½ teaspoon
1 egg

Optional: Icing, colored sugar, or other cookie decorations.

Method:
Sift together the flour and baking soda and keep aside.
In a big bowl, beat the butter, sugar and vanilla until creamy.
Add the egg and beat until light and fluffy.
Gradually blend in the flour mixture.
Divide the dough in half and wrap in plastic wrap and chill for one hour in the refrigerator.
On a floured surface, roll half the dough like a thick chapatti (say ½ cm thick).
With floured different cookie cutters, cut out the cookies and place the cookies on un-greased baking sheets
Roll out remaining dough and scraps.
Bake at 200 degrees c for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove to wire rack to cool. Decorate with icing and other items as desired. 
Approx makes 24.