Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, and sugar. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, stir into the creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 6 to 8 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
