Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, white sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; blend into the creamed mixture. Roll dough into 1/2 inch balls and place them 1 inch apart onto the prepared cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly and sprinkle with colored sugar.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
