Lemon Gooey Butter Cookies

PREP TIME : 30 mins
COOK TIME : 45 mins
TOTAL TIME : 1 hr 15 mins
COURSE : Christmas, Dessert, Valentine’s Day, Holidays & Special Occasions.
SERVINGS : 2 ½ dozen cookies.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold butter
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon of baking soda
• 1¼ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon of grated lemon peel
• Natural yellow food coloring (drops, as needed)

How to prepare:

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar for 4 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon peel along with the lemon juice to the creamed mixture and blend well.
3. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this to the creamed mixture, mixing well. Add food coloring to achieve the desired shade of yellow.
4. Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
5. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 9-11 minutes. The cookies should be slightly golden but still soft.
6. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Optional: Once cooled, sprinkle the cookies with coarse sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.