Tender Italian Sugar Cookies

Tender Italian Sugar Cookies

3/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups flour
3 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt

Icing:
1/4 cup milk
2 tbsp butter, melted
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
Food coloring and colored sugar, optional

In a mixing bowl, cream the shortening and the sugar. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture. Mix well. Shape the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 400 F for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. For the icing, in a small bowl, combine the milk, butter, vanilla, and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Tint with the food coloring if desired. Dip the tops of the cookies in the icing. Sprinkle with colored sugar if desired. Place on waxed paper until set.
Makes 3 dozen