Buttermilk Christmas Cookies

This recipe was developed by my 80 year old German grandfather in his days as a chef at a family restaurant. We make these cookies every year as part of our holiday tradition, and usually have many to give away.

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 1
• Yields: 4 dozen

Ingredients

• 1  cup whole buttermilk
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 1  cup shortening (butter flavored)
• 2  large eggs
• 1⁄2 cup sour cream
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2  teaspoons baking powder
• 4 1⁄2 cups unbleached flour

Directions

1. Mix together before starting: buttermilk and baking soda. Mixture will foam up, so put it in a medium sized bowl or measuring cup.
2. Mix sugar and shortening until fluffy. Add eggs. Then sour cream, nutmeg, and baking powder.
3. Alternate buttermilk mixture and flour until well incorporated.
4. Refrigerate dough overnight.
5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
6. Roll out dough onto a lightly floured surface. Cut shapes into the dough with cookie cutters of your choice.
7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone lining. Bake cookies for 9 - 10 minutes or until lightly done.