What's Cookin' -- Cut-out cookies

I adapted my date cookies recipe to make the most amazing cutout cookies.

Cut-out cookies

3 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup shortening
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 1/3 cup sugar

1. Mix flour, baking powder and baking soda through a sifter and set aside.
2. Blend shortening, vanilla, eggs, milk, and sugar until smooth.
3. Slowly add flour mixture to shortening mixture.
4. Chill for 2 hours.
5. Roll out dough 1/4 inch thick (use extra flour) and cut with cookie cutters.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

I don't know if it was the recipe or the new cookie sheets I recently received as a gift, but these cookies are just amazing.

What's Cookin' -- Date cookies

Date Cookies

Cookie Dough
1 cup shortening (I use Crisco)
1 1/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
4 Tbsp milk (more if needed)
1 tsp vanilla
2 3/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder

Filling
1 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tbsp flour
1/2 cup water

1. Mix shortening, sugar, eggs, milk and vanilla together.
2. Mix flour, baking soda and baking powder in bowl.
3. Add flour mixture to shortening mixture.  Mix well.
4. Chill dough in refrigerator for 2 hours.
5. To making filling, mix dates, sugar, flour, and water in small saucepan.  Heat on low until it reduces and is smooth.
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
7. Roll out dough (use lots of flour) to 1/4 inch thick..  Cut into circles.
8.  Fill each circle with 1 tsp date filling.  Fold over and pinch with a fork to form a half circle. Sprinkle with sugar.
9.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes.  Cookies with be golden brown when fully cooked.