Paradise Bakery Sugar Cookies

These were another Christmas cookie I made (I think I've still got a few to post) that turned out really well.  These are a re-make of the famous Paradise Bakery's sugar cookies!  They were really yummy!  My only advice is to follow the directions and cook them for the suggested cook time.  I pulled them out and put them back in the oven because they didn't look done, and then they ended up overdone.  I'm starting to figure out that cookies keep cooking out of the oven (or at least harden up). 

Paradise Bakery Sugar Cookies

via Oranges & Buscuits

yields 3 dozen

Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups shortening (I used half butter)
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
Plain or colored sugar, for decorating

Method:
Heat oven to 375 degrees.

In a medium bowl, cream together 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 cake flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing on slow speed until just blended. Do not over mix.Scoop with an ice cream scoop and roll in sugar. Place on baking sheet. Flatten slightly with palm of hand.

Bake 9 to 10 minutes.

Cookies are done when small cracks appear and are pale golden. Ideally, do not let edges brown.