A classic recipe for a rich, buttery roll-out cookie with a crisp, shortbread-like texture. This simple dough is flavored with vanilla and fresh lemon rind, perfect for cutting into intricate shapes that won’t spread during baking.

Author

Unknown


Recipe

MeasurementsIngredients
1 ¼ CupsSugar
1 Cup (2 sticks)Butter, softened
1Egg
1Egg Yolk
1 tspVanilla
1 tspGrated Lemon Rind
3 CupsFlour
¼ tspSalt

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the sugar and softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
  2. Mix in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and lemon rind until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing on low speed until a stiff dough forms.
  5. Chill: Divide the dough in half, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours, or until very firm.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease your baking sheets.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion of the dough out to about ⅛-inch thickness.
  8. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  9. Bake for 6-8 minutes. The cookies should be set, but the edges should be just barely turning golden.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Note

This recipe contains no baking powder or soda, which will result in a crisp, buttery cookie that holds its shape very well, making it ideal for detailed cookie cutters.