2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 stick (1/2 c) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 large eggs, whisked 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 - 2 tablespoons whole milk Prepare a lightly floured work surface. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Preheat oven to 350° F. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl and using a hand mixer, beat the butter, sugar, and whisked eggs until creamy. Beat in the vanilla, milk, and flour mixture until well blended, adding another tablespoon of milk if needed for the dough to come together. Dump dough onto the floured surface, sprinkle flour over dough then roll out to about 1/4-inch thick, or a little thicker. Cut dough out with a 3" cookie or biscuit cutter - OR roll into 1 1/2" balls. Place on baking sheet. Bake for about 12-14 minutes (balls may take a bit longer), or just until bottoms are very lightly browned. Let cool on pan for 1 minute then remove tea cakes to a wire cooling rack. If desired, while they are still hot, sprinkle or dip tops in sugar. Or cool completely and ice/decorated as desired.