This recipe is exactly the same as one we have in my family for generations now....this one calls for more of the ingredients to make more cookies. For several years, I've been having problems with my recipe. My cookies are not rising as I remember. Could it be that my baking soda is not fresh or is it the kind of shortening I'm using (is butter better then margarine???) This time I added more flour and some baking powder and it was better. Can anyone help? This is a Christmas tradition at my house and I am disappointed that I can't replicate the cookie like I used to :)