Christmas Butter Cookies with Icing

Sift together flour, cream of tartar, salt and soda.

Cut in shortening until fine particles form.

Beat the eggs well and add sugar and vanilla.

Stir into first mixture and chill 1/2 hour. Pinch off dough and roll in balls about the size of walnuts. Place on greased cookie sheet and flatten with bottom of a glass which has been dipped in sugar.

Roll dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness on lightly floured board.

Cut out with cookie cutters and bake.

Bake in 375° oven for 8 to 10 minutes.

For variation sift nutmeg and cinnamon with light brown sugar and sprinkle over top of cookies before baking.