SOFT Italian Sugar Cookies

These traditional Italian cookies are moist and tender.

Makes 3 dozen

INGREDIENTS:

• 3/4 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• ICING:
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter ; melted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• Food coloring and coarse sugar ; optional

METHOD

• Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
• Shape dough into 1-1/2-in. balls. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
• For icing, in a small bowl, combine milk, butter, vanilla and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Tint with food coloring if desired. Dip tops of cookies in icing; allow excess to drip off. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set.

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