Sugar Cookies

from Valerie Cheatham

My children (and now grandchildren) enjoy cutting these out and decorating them. From the time they were little, we would take a day to make these special cookies. We would use everything from colored sugars and sprinkles to forming different decorations out of Starburst candies.

– Valerie Cheatham, Assistant Editor, Illinois Country Living

Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

  • 3/4 c. shortening
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 1/2 c. flour
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. salt

Instructions

  • Mix shortening with sugar.
  • Add eggs and vanilla and mix well.
  • Add dry ingredients mixing until incorporated.
  • Refrigerate dough several hours or overnight.
  • Roll out to 1/4 inch thick and cut into shapes.
  • Bake at 400 degrees for 6-8 minutes, until just barely brown around the edges. Cool completely.
  • Frost and decorate as desired. Makes 30-36 large cookies.