Lemon Cookies from Scratch

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 0.5 cups butter , softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 cups confectioners' sugar for rolling

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients.

2. 2

   Beat together sugar, butter, and lemon zest in a large bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

3. 3

   Whisk together eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla in a small bowl until combined. Beat into butter mixture slowly on low speed.

4. 4

   Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Add to egg mixture slowly on low speed until just combined. Do not overbeat; dough will be sticky. Cover and chill dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes; it will still be sticky after chilling.

5. 5

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Form dough into balls using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, then roll each in confectioners' sugar. Place 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets. Lightly smash each ball down using your hand.

6. 6

   Bake in the preheated oven until the centers are just barely set, 11 to 12 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack completely before storing in an airtight container.