My Favorite Sugar Cookie Recipe (from Allrecipes.com)

INGREDIENTS

* 5 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup shortening
* 2 cups white sugar
* 3 eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups sour cream

DIRECTIONS

1. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time then stir in the vanilla and sour cream. Gradually mix in the sifted ingredients until just blended. Cover or wrap dough and chill overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch in thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 1/2 inches apart onto cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until edges are lightly browned. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.