Soft Lemon Cookies

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpats.

Step 2

In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, cream together butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes.

Step 3

Add egg, egg yolk, lemon juice, and lemon zest and mix until just combined.

Step 4

In a separate large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5

Pour dry ingredients into wet mixture and mix until just combined, taking care not to over-mix. Fold in yellow food coloring until well combined, if desired.

Step 6

Place remaining 3 Tbsp granulated sugar in a small bowl and place confectioners’ sugar in a separate small bowl. Using about 2 tablespoons of dough at a time, roll dough into balls. Roll each ball into granulated sugar, followed by confectioners’ sugar. Place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 7

Bake cookies for 15-17 minutes, until set. They should still be soft. Let cookies cool in pan for a couple minutes before moving to rack to cool completely.