Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

2. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper for an easy clean-up.

3. Put 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of solid shortening or butter into a mixing bowl. Beat together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

4. Pour 1 cup milk into a measuring cup. Add 1 1/2 tbsp. of lemon juice. This is called "soured milk" and is a common substitute for buttermilk. Add the soured milk to the mixing bowl.

5. Add 2 cups flour and combine well.

6. Place 1 tsp. each of salt, baking powder, baking soda and vanilla to the sugar cookie dough mixture.

7. Mix the dough well until all of the ingredients are incorporated.

8. Use a teaspoon to measure out the sugar cookies. Roll into balls with your hands and place on the cookie sheet. Sprinkle additional sugar on top of each cookie if you wish.

9. Bake cookies for about eight minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown. Remove from the cookie sheets with a spatula and cool on a wire cooling rack.