Preheat the oven to 400° F.

Cream the butter and sugar  on low in a standing electric mixer with the paddle attached until light and fluffly.  Add the egg and van, increase the speed to high and mix well until the dough is uniform, scraping as needed.

Reduce speed to medium and add in the salt and baking powder.  Add the flour 1/4 cup at a time and mix well until combined.

Remove the dough and divide into as many batches as desired and set aside covered in mixing bowls.  Color dough as desired and fill a cooke press with preferred attachement.

Press cookies abut 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.  Decorate with sprinkles or colored sugar if desired and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly browned on the edges.  Cool on wire racks. If you want to dip them in chocolate, wait until they are completely cool.