Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar with a hand mixer until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time. Add the vanilla and mix well. Add the flour mixture and mix with a spatula until a ball of dough forms. Transfer dough to a well floured work surface and cut in half. Place waxed paper over half of the dough and roll out to about 1/4-inch thick. Transfer the other half of the dough to the refrigerator to keep cold until ready to use. Using cookie cutters, cut the dough into various shapes and put on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Repeat with the other half of the dough. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes. Leave on the cookie sheet to cool. Decorate with royal icing, fondant, or cookie glaze.