- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper 
- In a large mixing bowl sift together the dry ingredients until there are no lumps 
- Stir in the eggs until the dry ingredients have been moistened 
- Stir in the butter and vanilla (if using) until fully combined and a smooth dough has formed 
- Massage the dough for 1 minute to absorb any extra moisture. Form into ball and place back into mixing bowl. Place in the refrigerator about 5 minutes or until the dough has firm up slightly.  
- Remove from the refrigerator. Massage slightly to make sure of the texture. The dough should be moist but not sticky or crumbly 
- Scoop dough out 1 tablespoon at a time onto the prepared baking sheets. Place in the preheated oven and bake at 350 degrees 10-12 minutes or until golden.  
- Remove from the oven. Allow to cool on the pan about 10 minutes or until cookies have form up enough to transfer to a wire rack. Allow to cool on a wire rack completely before eating or decorating. If desired frost, coat or decorate as desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 1 week