Tender Italian Sugar Cookies

By luvmybuttonsnbows

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• ICING
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• Food coloring and colored sugar, optional

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
2. Shape dough into 1 1/2-in. balls. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 400° for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
3. For icing, in a small bowl, combine the milk, butter, vanilla and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Tint with food coloring if desired. Dip the tops of cookies in icing; allow excess to drip off. Sprinkle with colored sugar if desired. Place on waxed paper: let stand until set.