In a mixing bowl, cream together shortening and sugar. Then beat in the eggs. Add milk and vanilla. Beat well.Stir in flour and mix well. When combining the dry ingredients, be sure to sift the flour and baking powder together to avoid lumps and ensure an even consistency. A gentle hand is key; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Once the dough is prepared, chill it for about an hour to enhance the flavors and make it easier to work with. Roll the dough out to about a quarter-inch thickness, and use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes. Place each 2½ inches apart onto greased cookie sheets
.Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.Baking at a moderate temperature allows the cookies to rise and develop a golden color without burning. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfectly baked to overdone in a matter of minutes.
Finally, let the cookies cool on a wire rack before indulging. For an extra touch, consider dusting them with powdered sugar or adding a glaze.
