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Traditional Sugar Cookies from Betty Crocker's Cookbook (27th printing, 1976. Copyright 1969)

*3/4 cup shortening (part butter or margarine, softened)
*1 cup sugar
*2 eggs
*1 tsp. vanilla or 1/2 tsp. lemon extract (Mom also adds some peppermint extract to the vanilla sometimes.  I don't know that I've ever tried the lemon version)
*2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
*1 tsp. baking powder
*1 tsp. salt

Mix thoroughly shortening, sugar, eggs, and flavoring.
Blend in flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cover, and chill at least 1 hour.

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
Roll dough 1/8 inch thick (probably thicker for better cookies...(i.e.: softer)) on lightly floured cloth-covered board.
Cut into desired shapes.
Place on ungreased baking sheet.

Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until very light brown.