Combine sour cream, sugar, melted shortening, and half of the buttermilk in a mixing bowl.

Dissolve baking soda in the remaining buttermilk.

Add the dissolved baking soda mixture to the sour cream mixture and stir well.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Stir in the vanilla extract.

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking.

Take approximately 1 tablespoon of dough at a time.

Roll the dough into a long, thin strip, resembling a snake.

Shape the strip into a figure eight.

Place the formed kringlas onto a baking sheet that has been lightly coated with cooking spray.

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.

Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.