Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

In a large mixing bowl cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and mix well.

With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low until ingredients are combined but DO NOT over mix!

Fill a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip with dough. Pipe cookies onto lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Press a cherry half in the center of each cookie. Or shape cookies as desired or pipe into desired shapes.

Bake until cookies are firm and edges are lightly brown, about 10-13 minutes. Remove cookies from baking sheet and cool on wire racks.

If desired, dip cookies in melted chocolate or spread the chocolate on top and drizzle the contrasting color over it.