Traditional Sugar Cookies

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.