Grammie’s Sugar Cookies

Mix flour, cream of tartar, salt and soda in a large bowl.

Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter or shortening. Sometimes I do half butter and half shortening because I like the flavor of the butter. I know, I know – shortening? Might as well schedule your angioplasty before you make these, but listen up -the original recipe called for lard. Lard, I tell you! See how much I care about your health?

When the butter or shortening or whatever is cut in, make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.

In a smaller bowl, beat the eggs. Whisk in the sugar and vanilla.

Pour the egg mixture into the well of the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly. It will be slightly difficult but it eventually comes together.

When everything is incorporated, use a small ice cream scoop or roll the dough into 1-2 inch balls. At this point you may also roll out the dough and cut with cookie cutters.

Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and flatten slightly with the bottom of a drinking glass. Sprinkle with sugar or cinnamon sugar mixture (3 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon).

Bake 8-10 minutes at 375F. They should be barely browned along the edge.