This is definitely a recipe for holiday occasions.  I’m not sure if this is a recipe they use in their bakery or one they recommend.  Either way, it sounds delicious!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup shortening
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 5 cups flour

Cream sugar and shortening in a large bowl.  Add eggs.  Blend in salt and vanilla.  Mix baking soda and buttermilk in a bowl.  Add flour and buttermilk to sugar mixture, alternating until the dough is stiff enough to handle.  Take some of the dough and roll out on a floured surface.  Roll it out to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, depending on how crisp you want the cookies.  Cut out with cookie cutters and place on cookie sheet that has been covered with parchment paper.  Sprinkle with colored sugar.  Bake at 350 degrees for a few minutes, until lightly browned.  Let cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes before removing them.