Ingredients
2 1/2 cups
all-purpose flour ( you may need a little extra)
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup
granulated sugar1 1/2 teaspoons
vanilla extract2 teaspoon lemon juice
1
eggDirections
In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar; using a hand held mixer on medium-high speed cream the
butter and sugar together until the mixture is light in color and has a fluffy texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber
spatula and then add the vanilla extract, lemon zest and egg. Beat until blended, 1 or 2 minutes longer. On low speed, gradually add the sifted flour and salt, mixing until just blended.
Remove the dough from the bowl and divide into 2 balls. Place each half between 2 pieces of waxed or parchment paper and roll into 5-inch diameter disks. Place the
dough on baking sheets and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or as long as 24 hours.
When you are ready to roll and bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with silicone liners or parchment paper. Place 1 disk of the cookie dough on the work surface and remove the top sheet of paper. Lightly
dust the surface of the dough with flour. Roll the dough out starting from the center to an even thickness of 1/8-inch. Using decorative cookie cutters cut the dough directly on the parchment paper. Use a spatula to transfer the dough to the lined baking sheet. Place the cookies at least 1/2-inch apart.
Gather the dough scraps and reroll them to make additional cookies. Only reroll the dough once.
Bake the
cookies 1 sheet at a time for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies are golden around the edges and firm to the touch. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.
The cookies can be stored in resealable plastic containers or cookie tins for 1 week. To frost the cookies prepare a recipe of
royal icing as follows and decorate as desired.
Royal Icing:
2 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon
cream of tartar1 tablespoon
milk1 pound confectioners' sugar
Place all of the ingredients in the bowl of an electric
mixer and beat slowly until well blended. Then beat at medium-high speed until the icing forms stiff peaks, 6 minutes. If icing is not stiff enough add more sugar if it is too stiff add more milk. Use immediately or place in a plastic container with a lid until ready to use. Allow icing to dry for at least 24 hours before packaging.
Yield: About 2 1/2 cups