Manju (Japanese Sweet Bean Paste Cookies)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease 2 baking sheets.

Beat sugar and butter with an electric mixer in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Beat eggs, 1 at a time, into creamed butter until smooth; add vanilla extract and beat well.

Sift flour and baking powder together in a bowl. Gradually stir flour mixture into butter mixture, mixing well after each addition, until dough is smooth.