An Old Cut-Out Sugar Cookie

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Have ready two baking sheets lined with parchment paper.In a large bowl, cut the shortening into the flour. I did this by hand, but you could probably use a food processor.

Add the salt and stir well.

Combine the eggs and sugar in a second bowl and beat well – I did this with a hand-held mixer.

Combine the milk, vanilla and baking soda in a small cup.

Add the egg mixture and the milk mixture to the flour mixture and stir until it’s all blended and you have a dough. At this point I chilled mine for about half an hour, but the recipe doesn’t say you have to.On a floured surface, roll a half or a quarter (I never roll it all at once) into a ¼ inch thick slab and cut out shapes.

Bake for 8-12 minutes or until your cookies are golden brown (these get quite brown) and appear set.

Remove from baking sheet and let cool completely.Ice with royal frosting or butter cream.