Chocolate Sugar Cookies

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

 1/2 cup cocoa powder

 1 teaspoon baking powder

 1/2 teaspoon salt

 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

 1 1/2 cups sugar

 1/2 cup vegetable shortening or you can substitute 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

 1 large egg

 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

Put butter and sugar into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy. Mix in shortening (or additional butter). Add egg and vanilla; mix until creamy. Reduce speed to low. Gradually add flour mixture, and mix until just combined.

Using a scoop, drop dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing about 3 inches apart. Bake until edges are firm, 8-10  minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks.

OPTIONAL:  Can be dusted with powdered sugar or make a frosting and drizzle on or spread on. Frosting could be colored green for St. Patrick’s Season or orange for Halloween or red for Christmas or blue or red for July  4th,  you name it.