Big Mama's Tea Cakes

1 cup butter or margarine
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons buttermilk
Sugar

Beat butter or margarine in a large mixer bowl for 30 seconds. Add the 1 1/4 cups sugar and vanilla extract; beat until fluffy. Add eggs; beat well.

Stir together flour, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl. Add to beaten mixture alternately with buttermilk. Drop by large rounded tablespoons onto a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges.