I think I've finally nailed this recipe, it tastes amazing!

These lemon cookies are a delightful treat that I've been making for years. They have just the right amount of tartness balanced with a sweet, buttery flavor. Perfect for a sunny afternoon with the family or as a gift for friends. What makes these cookies special is their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the refreshing hint of lemon that feels like a little burst of sunshine. A great recipe to try when you want to bring a bit of brightness to your day.

Lemon cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or a cold glass of milk. They make a delightful addition to a brunch spread, especially when served alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. If you're feeling indulgent, you could also crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a special dessert that's sure to impress.

Servings: 24 cookies

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling the cookies)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.

Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For some fun variations, you can add a splash of almond extract for a different twist or mix in some poppy seeds for a bit of texture. If you have family members who aren't huge fans of lemon, you can substitute orange juice and zest for a citrusy delight that's just as delicious. These cookies can also be drizzled with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice to add extra sweetness and a bit more tang.