Ultimate Sugar Cookie
 
Ingredients
  • 1 cup vegetable shortening
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3 eggs
  • 5 cups flour
  • 3 tsp. baking powder*
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 6 Tbs. orange juice
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven at 350 degrees F.
  2. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, beat the shortening, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
  3. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
  4. Add in the flour, baking powder, and salt all at once and combine.
  5. With the mixer running at low speed slowly add in the orange juice.
  6. If the dough is very sticky, refrigerate before trying to roll out.
  7. When ready, roll the dough on a floured surface so the dough doesn't stick. You can also roll the dough directly on a sheet of parchment paper. The dough can be rolled thinner to create a crunchy cookie or thicker for a soft and chewy cookie.
  8. Cut shapes out using your favorite cookie cutter.
  9. Bake at 350 degrees F until light brown at the edges.
*If you are looking for a low spread recipe: cut the baking powder to 1½ tsp or even leave it out.
Recipe by Lil' Miss Cakes at https://lilmisscakes.com/2012/perfect-sugar-cookie-recipe