In a medium bowl, add the flour, soda and salt. Mix until combined.
In a large bowl, beat the butter with a mixer, on medium speed, until creamy. Slowly add the sugar, mixing well. Add one egg at a time until blended. Add the vanilla. Mix well.
Slowly add the flour mixture until blended.
Divide the dough into two parts. Roll the dough into disks, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the disks of dough between two pieces of parchment paper and roll until 1/4-inch thick. Using cookie cutter, cut dough into shapes and place on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes.
Leave on baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to wire racks and allow to cool completely.
My friend Jeanie shared this recipe with me. It is her great grandmother Taylor's tea cake recipe.