Italian Sugar Cookies

By dfallon

Ingredients

• COOKIES
• 3/4 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tsp baking powder
• ICING
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
• optional - food coloring and coarse sugar

Preparation

Step 1

COOKIES
In large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder. Gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.

Shape dough into 1 1/2-inch balls. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.

ICING
In small bowl, combine milk, butter, vanilla and confectioners sugar until smooth. If desired, tint with food coloring. Dip the tops of cooled cookies in icing; allow excess to drip off. If desired, sprinkle with coarse sugar. Place on wax paper; let stand until set.