Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

Sugar Cookies (for Valentines, Easter, Halloween, and Christmas)

2/3 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. grated orange peel
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
4 tsp. milk
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Cream shortening, sugar, orange peel, and vanilla. Add egg, beat until light and fluffy. Stir in milk. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture. Chill dough 1 hour. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8 inch. Cut in desired shapes. Bake on greased cookie sheet at 375 about 6-8 minutes. Remove from sheet and cool on rack. Decorate. Makes 2 dozen.