Jeni's Frosted Sugar Cookies

• 2 c. sugar
• 1 c. buttermilk
• 1 c. shortening
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 5 1/2 -6 1/2 c. flour

In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar, buttermilk, shortening, and eggs together. Add the remaining ingredients. Roll out until about 1/4 inch thick and cut into shapes. Place dough on a cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray and bake at 375° for 6-7 minutes or until set (do not brown)…if rolled thinner, then cook more towards the 6 minutes. Frost with buttercream icing when cool (recipe below).

Makes approximately 9 dozen small cut out cookies.

Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 c. Gregg’s Golden Soft margarine (in a tub), room temperature
• 4 - 5 c. powdered sugar
• 1/8 c. water
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• Food coloring

In a mixing bowl, cream margarine until fluffy. Add 4 cups of powdered sugar and continue mixing  until well blended. Add water and vanilla extract. Blend on low speed until moistened. Add additional powdered sugar if necessary to achieve the right consistency. Beat at high speed until frosting is fluffy. If desired, divide frosting into one, or several small bowls and stir in food coloring to create various colors of buttercream frosting.