1/3 c. butter
1/2 c. solid vegetable shortening
2 egg yolks
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 box (18 1/2 oz.) white or yellow cake mix
1/2 c. chopped nuts, optional

In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on low speed or with a wire whisk, combine butter, shortening, egg yolks and vanilla. Blend in dry cake mix, adding about 1/3 at a time. If dough seems dry, add 1-1 1/2 teaspoons water. Stir in nuts, if desired.

Form small teaspoonfuls of dough into balls. Place balls on ungreased baking sheets. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven 8-10 minutes, or until done. Let cool on wire racks. Allow baking sheet to cool thoroughly between batches. Makes 6-8 dozen cookies.

This recipe makes a lot, so it is a favorite when you need to make a lot of cookies for a crowd. The recipe originally called for a white or yellow cake mix, but you can vary the results by using a spice or chocolate cake mix. Lemon or cherry cake mixes add color and flavor to the basic recipe.