1/2 c. butter flavored shortening
1 c. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. beaten egg
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 tbsp. buttermilk
1 1/2 c. all purpose flour (plus an extra 1/4 cup reserved for rolling)
1/8 tsp. baking powder

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening, sugar, vanilla and salt with an electric mixer. Add the egg and beat the mixture until it's fluffy. Add the baking soda and mix for about 20 seconds, then add the buttermilk and mix for an additional 30 seconds. In another bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients and mix well with an electric mixer until flour is incorporated. Roll the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 325°F.

Roll dough out on a well floured surface to 1/8 inch thick and punch out cookies with 1 1/2 to 2 inch cutter. (A medium size spice bottle lid works well.) Arrange cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Makes 60 cookies.