This is my Grandmother's recipe. Grandma was a Pennsylvania Dutch lady and I'm a native of Ithaca, NY. Loved those soft cookies from home. I have no idea how old this recipe is but it has been passed down for four generations that I am sure of. I am 72 years young and started making them as a teenager. The ingredients are simple.. It takes a light touch to get a "soft" cookie. I learned the right amount of flour by touch at my mother's side as the recipe had no amount listed. Makes large amount and they freeze very well.

Sugar Cookies

1 1/2 cup lard (I use crisco)
2 cups brown sugar (I use dark for more flavor)
1 cup white sugar
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups sour milk (Iuse buttermilk)
1 teaspoon soda
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Flour to make very soft dough(approx 8 1/2 cups)

Cream sugars and shortning, beat in eggs and buttermilk. To 3-4 cups of flour, add the soda, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Mix in well, then add to liquid; continue to add flour gradually until you have a very soft managable dough.. it should still be a bit sticky.

Roll out dough to 3/8 - 1/4 inch thickness on floured surface; then sprinkle with sugar, roll again lightly to set sugar. Cut into large (approx 4-inch) circles. Put on cookie sheet leaving a little space between as they "grow" when baking. Bake at 375F until edges are slightly brown.

Enjoy!!! Marge/NC