Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine your dry ingredients and mix well. In a separate mixing bowl,cream together the softened butter, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in egg and vanilla extract, and continue creaming until smooth. Mix in the dry ingredients until well combined and scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
Using a large spoon, scoop out heaped tablespoons of the cookie dough. Using your hands, roll them into balls and roll in granulated sugar if desired. Place them on the lined sheet. Lightly press down on each cookie with a fork or your thumb.
Bake the cookies for 9 - 10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet completely.