Cream together the shortening and the sugar. Stir in the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla.

Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir to combine. Chill dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart on a lightly greased baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle tops of cookies with white sugar.

Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).