Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Sift flour into bowl, mix in baking powder and salt.

Place softened butter and sugar in mixer. Use flat beater to cream together butter and sugar on high until light and fluffy (5 minutes).

Turn mixer on low, and add eggs and vanilla extract. Scrape the bowl, and mix again for 30 seconds.

Pour the extra sugar into a ball. Scoop out the cookie dough and roll into 1 inch balls. Roll the cookie dough balls into the sugar, making sure each side is coated.

Place cookie dough balls onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Dip a small glass in sugar, then press down on each cookie ball until 1/3 inch thick.

Bake cookies for 9 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden brown (11 minutes at most). Remove and cool completely.