via kari's cooking
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups vegetable shortening
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 large egg, beaten
4 1/3 cups cake flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tsp. orange zest (optional)
Preheat oven to 375°. In a medium bowl, cream together the sugars and shortening using an electric mixer. Mix on slow speed 30 seconds, then scrape down the bowl with a spatula. Increase speed to medium and mix for 3 minutes. Slowly add vanilla and beaten egg while mixing. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the mixing bowl, mixing on slow speed until just blended. Do not overmix. Form dough in to 2 balls, chill dough in refrigerator for at least 2 hours covered. Once chilled, roll out dough on floured surface and cut out cookies with desired shaped cookie cutters. If dough is too moist sprinkle small amount of flour directly on rolled dough. Place directly on cookie sheet and bake at for 9-10 minutes. Cookies are done when they are pale golden. Ideally, the edges aren't brown. Decorate with your favorite frosting.
