Red Hearts

Combine the shortening and sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat on low speed with an electric mixer until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla, buttermilk, and baking soda and mix for 1 minute at medium speed. With the mixer running, add the flour in 1/2 cup increments. Add the food coloring as desired and mix until the dough is uniform in color.

Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Roll the dough out between sheets of waxed paper. Cut the dough using heart shaped cookie cutters (or other shapes). Place the hearts on baking sheets and sprinkle with sugar, as desired. Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 11 minutes.

Remove the cookies from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before storing in an airtight container.