Preheat oven to 375°.
Mix shortening, sugars, egg, & vanilla thoroughly.
Sift flour into medium bowl and mix in remaining dry ingredients.
Blend flour into wet ingredients.
With spoon, mix in chocolate chips, sprinkles, and whatever add-ins you would like.
Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough about 2" apart on ungreased baking sheet.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until delicately browned. (Cookies should still be soft.)
Cool slightly before removing from baking sheet, around 2 minutes.