Lemon Cut Out Cookies

Are you looking for a delightful treat to brighten your day? These Lemon Cut Out Cookies are not only delicious but also fun to make. They are perfect for special occasions or just when you want a sweet pick-me-up. The fresh citrus flavor combined with the tender texture of the cookie is a match made in dessert heaven.

Lemon Cut Out Cookies

**Ingredients:**
– 2⅓ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.

3. **Add Egg and Flavorings:** Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. **Mix the Dough:** Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

6. **Chill the Dough:** Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.

7. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness.

8. **Cut Out Shapes:** Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough. Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.

9. **Bake:** Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.

10. **Cool and Enjoy:** Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can enjoy the cookies as they are or decorate them with icing or sprinkles if desired.

These Lemon Cut Out Cookies are not only delicious on their own but can also be a great canvas for your creativity. Whether you decide to decorate them with a simple glaze or get fancy with intricate designs, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering. So, why not brighten up your day with a batch of these delightful citrus treats?