Pioneer Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Grease baking sheet lightly.

Step 2: Start oven 10 minutes before baking

Step 3: Set to hot (450 degrees F.)

Step 4: Use a 3-qt mixing bowl and mix with a wooden spoon.

Step 5: Sift flour, measure, resift 4 times with the dry ingredients.

Step 6: Cream butter or combination of shortenings until smooth

Step 7: Add sugar gradually, creaming well.

Step 8: Stir in vanilla, then beat in eggs until fluffy.

Step 9: Add flour mixture alternately with cream in 2 or 3 portions, mixing until smooth after each.

Step 10: Scrape off spoon, remove.

Step 11: Cover bowl and chill in refrigerator an hour or so to firm dough for easier rolling.

Step 12: Remove 1/3 of dough at a time.

Step 13: Roll out on a slightly floured pastry cloth with stockinet-covered rolling pin 1/4-inch thick.

Step 14: Cut out with a 3 1/2-inch cutter.

Step 15: Place on a prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with sugar, if desired.

Step 16: Bake 9 to 10 minutes.

Step 17: Remove at once to cake rack to cool. Store in a tight-covered cookie jar or box with waxed paper between layers.

Step 18: 40 cookies.