Instructions: Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar in a large mixing bowl. Cut in shortening and blend.

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and blend thoroughly to combine.

Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 2 hours prior to rolling and cutting the sugar cookies into the desired shapes.

Preheat oven to 375-F degrees. Bake the cut-out cookies for about 8 to 10 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet, until golden. Remove cookies to cool on a wire rack before frosting and storing in an airtight container. Enjoy!

Kitchen Staff Tip: To prepare a fantastic Butter Icing, simply cream together 1/2 cup shortening and 1/2 cup softened butter with 3/4 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract until fluffy. Blend in 2 to 3 1/2 cups confectioners sugar, one cup at a time, adding 2 to 3 tablespoons milk as you blend, until the icing reaches the desired consistency. You may color and decorate your sugar cookies as you wish.

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