Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium large bowl, cream the butter, sugar and vanilla paste until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Sift the dry ingredients together and beat into the butter mixture a little at a time. Chill the dough until firm, then roll into a log 1-inch in diameter. Re-chill for a few minutes if necessary, then cut the roll into 1/2-inch slices and place on a parchment-lined sheet pan with space around each cookie. Bake for 10 – 12 minutes. The cookies should be just slightly golden at the base with no color on the top. Let cool before removing from the pan as they are crumbly when hot. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.