Ultimate Sugar Cookies

1 1/2 c shortening
3 c sugar
1 c milk
1 tsp soda
1 Tbsp vanilla
1 1/2 tsp salt
4 tsp baking powder
3 eggs
1 Tbsp lemon juice
8-10 c flour (use a dough hook)

Roll out to 1/4" to 3/8" thick. Bake fore 8 minutes at 375 degrees. Let cook on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then move to cooling rack.

Note: If baking them into flowers with sticks, insert stick into middle of cookie before baking. Make sure to keep cookies thick enough to hide the stick. Bake as directed. Frost with Royal icing for firm unmoving frosting and your favorite frosting for extra flavor. For the above basket, we frosted with royal icing and let it sit overnight, then frosted with butter cream or you could use another layer or royal icing. Just make sure to let each layer dry completely (butter cream will rub off, but tastes great!)