Chocolate Cookies

This is a delicious cookie from my grandmother. It was a Christmas tradition my entire childhood.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 72
• Yields: 6 dozen small cookies

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup shortening
• 4  ounces  unsweetened baking chocolate
• 2  cups granulated sugar
• 2  teaspoons vanilla
• 4  eggs
• 2  cups flour
• 2  teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
•  powdered sugar

Directions

1. Melt the shortening and the chocolate in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Add the sugar and vanilla directly to the pan, stirring with a spoon (be careful not to scratch the pan-I would recommend plastic).
3. Scrape into a large bowl.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add the remaining ingredients, excluding the powdered sugar.
6. Chill the dough for several hours.
7. Form into generously rounded teaspoon balls.
8. Roll in powdered sugar.
9. Place on a pan lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 8-9 minutes at 350 degrees.