orange zest whale sugar cookies

these sugar cookies can be cut into any shape for any occasion.  the dough is a sturdy consistency and must be chilled for one hour before rolling and cutting into shapes.

preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  mix 1/2 cup unsalted butter with 1/4 cup Crisco, and then add 1 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.  mix very well.  blend in 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. next, add  2 1/2 tablespoons of orange zest and mix well.  incorporate the dough into a flat rectangle and place covered on a 1/2 sheet pan. 

chill for one hour.  remove and place on a flour covered surface.  roll out cookies and cut into shapes.  place on ungreased cookie sheets and bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until light brown.  this recipe makes about 3 dozen cookies, depending on size of cutters used.  after baking, i added the candy eyes.

option:  use lemon zest instead of orange zest.