Sugar Cookies

Suzy wanted this recipe. She said they are so much better than all the others she has tried. I think it is the grated orange peel that I add into the dough. I usually use a holly cookie cutter, green frosting and then red hots for the berries. I think Mom used to do something like that.
3/4 c. shortening (part butter or margarine, softened)
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla or 1/2 tsp lemon extract (I add the vanilla with the grated peel of 1 orange)
2 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
Mix thoroughly shortening, sugar eggs and flavorings. Blend in flour, baking powder and salt. Cover and chill at least one hour.
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Roll out dough on floured surface to 1/4 to 1/8 in. thick depending on if you want crisp cookies or thick ones. You might have to work a little more flour into the dough if it is too sticky. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake 5 to 8 minutes until very light brown.

This recipe is from the Betty Crocker Cookbook I got as a wedding present:) I usually make the dough, bake the cookies and then freeze them. Then when I need to give them away, I pull them out of the freezer, frost, decorate and they are good to go!