1 (3 inch) stick cinnamon, broken into fine pieces
2 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
5 c. all purpose flour
Cinnamon sugar
Pinch of salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 eggs, beaten

Roast cinnamon in a skillet over medium heat 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Combine cinnamon pieces, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl; stir well. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Knead in shortening until mixture forms a dough.

Shape dough into 3/4 inch balls; place on ungreased cookie sheets. Slash top of each cookie with a shallow X. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool slightly on cookie sheets; dip tops of cookies in cinnamon sugar. Let cool completely on wire racks.

Yields 10 dozen.