- 1. Place your butter in the bowl of a stand mixer. 
- 2. Next, turn to your mixer on to  medium-low speed and cream until smooth.  Add  sugar and salt and mix on medium low for about 2 minutes. 
- Add vanilla extract and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds. 
- 3.  Add the flour in gradually  on low speed for 15 to 30 seconds until just combined. 
- 4. Place your dough on a work surface and make a square block.  Wrap the block in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until firm. 
- 5.  Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. 
- 7. Unwrap your dough and place it between 2 pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap. With a rolling pin, flatten your dough. Then, on a floured surface  roll it out to about 1/4 inches 
- Use decorative cutters to cut out the cookies and place on sheet pans, leaving space between them. 
- 6. Bake until pale golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. 
- 7. Set pans on cooling rack for 5-10 minutes and then transfer cookies to the rack and cool completely.