Lemon Drop Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• pinch of salt
• 3/4 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (one lemon)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (one lemon)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 400 F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Sift flour, baking powder, and salt then set aside.

3. 3

   Blend the lemon zest with the sugar, rubbing it together with your fingers.TIP - Rubbing the lemon zest into the sugar before combining it with the other ingredients helps release the lemon oils while enhancing the flavor.

4. 4

   With a mixer, cream the shortening then gradually add the lemon-sugar.

5. 5

   Add egg, lemon juice, and water; beat until combined.

6. 6

   Add dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. The dough will be looser and stickier than a traditional cookie dough.

7. 7

   Drop by level tablespoons (a cookie scoop is perfect!) onto parchment lined baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

8. 8

   Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

9. 9

   --- How to Make the Glaze ---

10. 10

    Combine all three ingredients in a small bowl and stir until smooth.

11. 11

    Use a 1/2-teaspoon measuring spoon to add glaze to the center of each cookie. Use the back of the spoon to gently spread the glaze. Let glaze harden for a couple hours before storing or stacking the cookies.