In very large bowl, and I do mean VERY LARGE, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, 2 TBLS. Of the milk and vanilla until smooth.

In large bowl, and I do mean VERY large bowl. mix flour; baking powder and salt until light and thoroughly combined. Gradually beat flour mixture in to butter mixture. If dough seems a bit dry, add another tablespoon or two of the milk. Gather dough into a ball and divide into 8 parts. Wrap each part in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate 8 hours or longer. The dough may also be frozen and thawed in the refrigerator.

When ready to bake, remove dough from refrigerator one part at a time. Preheat oven to 350°F Roll with a very, very well floured rolling pin to approximately ¼ thickness (I like these a little thicker) on a very, very well floured surface. Cut into desired shapes, place on a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake 10-12 minutes. Transfer cookies to rack and cool immediately.