1 cup butter, softened 2 cups sugar 2 large eggs, room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5 cups all-purpose flour 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup 2% milk
Cream together the butter and sugar in a large basin until light and airy. Combine eggs with vanilla.
Alternating with the milk, incorporate the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the creamed mixture. Refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes, covered, or until manageable.
Gas oven to 350 degrees. Roll dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch on a floured surface. Apply the desired forms to the dough using a 2-inch cookie cutter. Separate by 2 inches on greased baking trays.
Bake until the edges are faintly browned, about 10 minutes.
Transfer from the pans to wire racks in order to fully chill.