Lemon Sugar Cookies

These little babies are slightly crispy on the outside, perfectly sweet, and are almost under baked in the middle, so it tastes like they are filled. SO GOOD! My family went crazy for these. The whole batch was gone within minutes.

Today I decided that it might be fun to use our new clover cookie cutters for St. Patricks day. I couldn't find a sugar cookie recipe that I liked online, so I made up my own... and in the process discovered an AMAZING way to make lemon sugar cookies.

These little babies are amazing. Now, this recipe can also be used as a roll out recipe for cookie cutters. But with the leftover dough I decided to roll them into balls and then roll them in powdered sugar.. OMG...

So.. here is the recipe for both ways to do it. No joke.. you guys will love these.

Makes about 40..ish cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup softened butter (2 sticks)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest from one lemon
• Juice from half of a lemon 
• 3 ½ cups of all purpose flour
• 1 ¼ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• Powdered sugar (for rolling balls in, OR use instead of flower for rolling it out for cookie cutters)

Instructions:

1. First off I use a stand up mixer, but I am sure a hand held one would work just as well. So, mix up your butter and sugar until its creamy. Then add in your eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
2. Then in a bowl you will want to sift or whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Once its mixed up, add it slowly to your sugar mixture. I use a measuring cup and just gradually spoon it in.
3. Once its well incorporated, place the dough in plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator. Now.. this is where you need to pay attention a little. If you want to roll this dough out for cookie cutters. Keep it in the fridge for about 2 hours maybe a little more. If you want to roll it into balls, then you only need to keep it in the fridge for 1 hour. 
4. Once your dough has been chilled, you can roll it on onto a counter. If you are doing this make sure to sprinkle plenty of powdered sugar so it doesn't stick to the counter or your rolling pin. And simply cut out the cookies. (added note.. spray your cookie sheet.. I forgot and it sucked)
5. If you are rolling them into balls... then roll them into balls (slightly smaller than a golf ball) and then roll in powdered sugar and place on your cookie sheet.
6. Either way the cookies get baked at 400° for 8-10 minutes. But no longer.