Just in time for Easter snacking with coffee (me) or milk (husband). I've experimented with a dozen different ways to make the perfect sugar cookie with the right balance of a good crunch with a (lightly) sweet and full buttery flavor.  This is our favorite recipe and the one I've made for years now. We prefer them just sprinkled with sugar, but these are fun frosted with royal icing. I have a great selection of cookie cutters and we make these for every occasion.

1 C butter
1/2 C shortening (no substitutes as shortening aids in the crunch factor!)
2 C sugar
2 eggs
2 t vanilla
4 C flour
1 t baking powder
1 t salt

Beat the first 3 ingredients until light and fluffy, add eggs and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients. Form a flattened disk and cover with plastic wrap and chill 1 or more hours. Roll out 1/8" thick and cut with cookie cutters. Lightly sprinkle with sugar before baking unless you are going to ice them after baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees F until edges are lightly browned. Transfer to rack to cool. Makes approximately 5 dozen. This recipe can be halved.

Happy Easter!