Citrus Cookies:
1 stick unsalted butter
5 tbsp sugar
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp orange zest
1 tsp orange liqueur (such as citron or grand marnier)
1 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
Place butter and sugar in bowl and mix for 2 minutes on medium speed. Scrape bowl and beat for 3 mins until batter is light but not fluffy. Add lemon and orange zest and liqueur. Beat on high for 30 seconds. Turn mixer off and gradually add flour and salt. Mix with wooden spoon until it forms a dough. Turn out onto counter and roll with hands into a sausage shape. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate until firm.
Makes about 24 cookies
1 1/2 sticks butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt
Beat butter and sugar in bowl until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and mix to combine. Now add flour and salt. Using your hands, mix until it forms a smooth dough. Roll into a sausage shape (see above picture), place in plastic wrap, and refrigerate about 30 minutes or until firm. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 325. When ready to bake, remove dough from plastic wrap and cut into thick slices. Place onto non stick baking sheets and bake for 20 minutes or until just beginning to turn brown around edges. Cool on wire rack and enjoy!!
Note* this is a versatile recipe and can have many variations. As an alternative, coat the outside in raw sugar or chopped toasted nuts; add chopped dried fruits or chocolate pieces or nuts into dough.
Makes about 24 cookies