1/2 cup, (1 stick) real butter, at room temperature

4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

powdered sugar for dusting if desired

Preheat oven to 375*F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer. Add sugar and beat 1 minute. Add egg and vanilla and mix to combine.

Combine baking powder, flour and salt. Add to wet mixture in three portions, mixing to combine with each addition.

Cover dough and chill for 1 hour.

Once chilled, dust hands lightly with flour and roll dough into 1-2 inch balls. Place onto prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart and flatten gently with fingers. 

Bake 9-11 minutes. Tops should remain pale and bottoms should be just barely golden. 

Transfer from baking sheet to wire racks to cool, then lightly dust with powdered sugar to serve if desired. Enjoy! 

Yields 3-4 dozen cookies according to how large you make them.