Jello™ Cookies

These are a recipe from an old friend who had gotten it from a Jello™ box many years ago. The recipe is officially "Crisp Pastel Cookies" but my version comes out soft and sweet!

¾ cup shortening (part butter or margarine- I use ½ cup of margarine and ¼ cup Crisco)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 small (3 ounce) package flavored gelatin - Jello™ Black Cherry is great!
2 eggs ( any size will do)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2½ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Heat oven to 400º F.

Mix the first five ingredients thoroughly. Blend in the dry ingredients. Roll dough into 1” (or larger) balls. Place two inches, more or less, apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten each with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes. Yields up to five dozen.