WOW scale: 10
Skill required: Successful cookie baker
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Zest of 1 large lemon
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and place rack in center of oven.
2.Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Beat in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
5. In a separate bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Add to the butter and egg mixture and beat until combined.
7. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and, with a floured rolling pan, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch.
8. Using cookie cutters, cut the dough into shapes. Save the scraps and reroll.
9. Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
10.Bake for approximately 8-10 minutes or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center of a cookie comes out clean.
11.Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Once the cookies have completely cooled, frost with icing.
Confectioners Frosting:
2 cups confectioners sugar (powdered) sifted
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk or light cream
1. In an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth and well blended.
2. Add vanilla extract.
3. With the mixer on low speed, gradually beat in the sugar. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
4. Add the milk and beat on high speed until frosting is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add a little more milk or sugar, if needed.
Yields: 18 cookies.
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