Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Put shortening or margarine, powdered sugar, salt and vanilla in a mixing bowl.
Turn mixer to medium and cream for 3 1/2 minutes.
Add flour and chopped walnuts; mix just enough to incorporate.
Roll out dough on floured surface.
Cut out with any 2 1/4 -inch cookie cutter.
Dip cookie cutter in flour when cutting.
Place dough on un-greased cookie sheet, leaving 2 inches between cookies.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly brown.
Cool on racks before serving.