Slice and Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups vegetable shortening
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 2 cups creamy peanut butter or chunky peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 eggs
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking soda
• cinnamon sugar (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Cut four 14 inch by 12 inch pieces of waxed paper and four sheets of aluminum foil the same size and set aside.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening, sugars and peanut butter; beat in vanilla and eggs until light and fluffy.

3. 3

   In a seperate bowl, combine the flour and baking soda; gradually beat flour into the creamed mixture until combined.

4. 4

   Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and shape each into an 8 to 10 inch roll.

5. 5

   Wrap each individually in wax paper and then in aluminum foil; label, date and freeze for up to 6 months.

6. 6

   To prepare the cookies: Place the dough in refrigerator and thaw overnight. Slice the dough into 1 inch thick slices and cut each slice in fourths; form into a ball and if desired roll in cinnamon sugar.

7. 7

   Place 1 1/2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets, flatten in a crisscross pattern with fork tines and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges.

8. 8

   Remove from oven and allow to stand for a few minutes, move the cookies to cooling racks and allow to cool completely.