Aunt Judy's Jumbo Sugar Cookies

My brother Rich's kids (Greg, Trudy, Tracy and Eric) loved this cookie when they were young.  When looking through my recipes the other day I found this one handwritten by my sister-in-law Loretto.   Omitted on this recipe is the vanilla so I am adding it here on the blog.  I modified the recipe directions slightly for ease and modernization.  

Christine visited us on Sunday and she thought they were delicious! 

2 cups sugar
1 cup shortening
2 eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

For topping:
2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons sugar 

Beat together 2 cups sugar and shortening until light and fluffy.  Beat in eggs and vanilla and mix thoroughly.

Add flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.  Mix well.  

Using a 1 1/2 inch ice cream scoop form balls with dough and roll into sugar mixture.  

Place 3" apart on Silpat or parchment lined baking sheets.

Bake for exactly 12 minutes and let stand on baking sheet for 1 minute before removing to cooling racks.

Makes 3 dozen.