Orange & Vanilla Sugar Cookies



Ingredients :

1/2 cup shortening 1/2 cup butter, softened 2 cups white sugar 3 eggs 2 tablespoon orange zest 3/8 cup orange juice 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions :
 * In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the orange juice, vanilla and orange zest. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt, stir into the creamed mixture until well blended. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
 * Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters or stamps. Place cookies 1 inch apart onto an unprepared cookie sheet.
 * Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.