AMISH BUTTERMILK COOKIES

I grew up in Indiana where there are several Amish communities. They are simply the best cooks and bakers.

1 cup shortening
2 cup white sugar
4 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
4 tsp vanilla extract
Simple powdered sugar frosting, optional

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease cookie sheets and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir the flour mixture into the creamy mixture, alternately with the buttermilk. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. Once cookies have cooled completely, frost with a thin powdered sugar frosting, if desired.

Note: File Photo