Step 1: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients

1. Sift the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together 3 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This step ensures there are no lumps and helps aerate the flour.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. Mix Together: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 ½ cups of white sugar and 1 cup of softened margarine using an electric mixer. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy—about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a soft, tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

1. Incorporate Eggs: Add 2 large eggs to the mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
2. Add Vanilla: Pour in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and blend until smooth and slightly fluffy.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Combine: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

1. Wrap and Refrigerate: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours. Chilling the dough is essential to help the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

1. Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your cookies will bake evenly.

Step 7: Prepare Cookie Sheets

1. Grease or Line: Grease two cookie sheets or line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 8: Roll, Cut, and Bake

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a clean, floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
2. Cut Shapes: Use festive cookie cutters to create holiday shapes, placing them on the prepared cookie sheets.
3. Bake: Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

1. Transfer to Cooling Rack: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from breaking apart.

Step 10: Decorating the Cookies

1. Let Your Creativity Shine: Once cooled, these cookies are perfect for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or other festive toppings. Get creative and have fun!

Additional Notes and Tips

• Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step. It’s essential for the cookies to retain their shape.
• Butter Substitute: If you prefer butter over margarine, feel free to substitute; the texture may be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious.
• Flavor Variations: For added flavor, consider incorporating a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon into the dough.
• Chewy Cookies: If you like your cookies a bit chewier, slightly underbake them and allow them to cool on the hot tray.