3/4 c. soft shortening (don't use butter)
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt

Thoroughly mix first 4 ingredients. Mix dry ingredients; stir together. Chill dough about 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll dough 1/8 inch thick, cut out shapes. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheet. Decorate. Bake 8-10 minutes or until light brown. Makes about 3 dozen.

Use colored sugar, etc. or paint designs with egg yolk paint. Blend 1 egg yolk and 1/4 teaspoon water. Divide and tint yellow, red and green. Paint cookies.