Polvorones Rojas (Big Pink Mexican Cookies)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Crisco shortening
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract*
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Red food color
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

* I use almond extract most of the time.

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Beat shortening, butter and confectioners' sugar together until creamy.
3. Add vanilla extract and salt and mix well.
4. Add food coloring to desired color and mix well.
5. Add flour and mix until combined, but do not over-mix.
6. Scoop into 2-inch balls (about 2 tablespoons) and place on cookie sheet at least 3 inches apart.
7. Flatten the cookie with the palm of your hand to about 1/2 inch.
8. Bake for 15 minutes.
9. Immediately after removing cookies from the oven, sprinkle with granulated sugar.