Lemon Sugar Cookies

I needed a dessert to take to an outdoor concert last weekend.

Since it was quite warm that evening I wanted something that would be light, refreshing and wouldn't melt. 

I decided to try this recipe for Lemon Sugar Cookies.

It proved to be a good decision.

I served them with some cut-up fruit and they were a big hit.

They have that soft sugar cookie texture with a refreshing lemon flavor.

The day after the concert my son had several friends over. The remaining cookies were sitting on the counter, but not for long.  Once the boys tasted them, they couldn't stop eating them.  It seems they were a hit with all who tried them. 

If you like sugar cookies and lemon flavor, then I know you will love these.

Lemon Sugar Cookies

Yield: 3 dozen cookies

Cook Time: 8-10 minutes

ingredients:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Zest of 2 large lemons
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar for rolling cookies

directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

3. Using a mixer, beat together butter and sugar until smooth and creamy.

4. Add lemon zest, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until combined. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.

5. Roll rounded tablespoons of dough into balls and roll in sugar. Place on prepared baking sheets, about 1 1/2 inches apart.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until cookies are slightly brown around the edges and set. Let cookies sit on the baking sheets for two minutes before transferring to a cooling rack

Note:  to keep cookies soft store them in an air tight container with a slice of bread.

Personally, I think they are the perfect cookie to enjoy with an icy cold glass of iced tea.

Note:  For those of you who requested more pictures of the retractable awning, stay tuned. . .