Dawn’s Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup shortening
• 2 cups white sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 3 drops red food coloring (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and white sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, and stir in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, and baking soda; stir into the creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk until a soft dough forms. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 10 minutes in preheated oven, or until light brown. Cool on wire racks.

In a medium bowl, blend together melted butter and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Gradually stir in milk until frosting reaches the desired consistency. Mix in food coloring, if desired. Spread onto cooled cookies, and place frosted cookies on waxed paper or cooling racks until frosting is set.