Soft Sugar Cookies

2/3 c. shortening
2/3 c. butter (I use all shortening to cut the dairy out)
1 1/2 c. white sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/3 c. granulated sugar for decoration (optional)

Preheat oven to 350.

In a medium bowl, cream the butter, shortening, and sugar. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt, stir into the creamed mixture until the dough comes together. Roll dough into walnut sized balled and roll the balls into sugar. Place them on an unprepared cookie sheet about 2 inches apart -- flatten if you want and adjust cooking time. They were good as is though!

Bake 10 to 12 minutes in preheated oven until bottom is light brown. Remove from baking sheets to cool on wire racks.