Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

I've said it before, I'll say it again, I'm just not a baker.  But, every once in a while I see a recipe I gotta try.  Who doesn't like fresh lemon!


Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

1/4 c. fresh lemon juice
3 1/2 t. freshly grated lemon zest (2-3 lemons)
2 sticks butter
2 c. all purpose flour
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
2 t. pure vanilla extract
1 T. poppy seeds

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Bring lemon juice to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Cook until reduced by about half.  Add 1 stick butter and stir until melted.

Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.

Cream the other stick of butter with 1 cup of the sugar on medium.  Add the egg and lemon butter.  Mix until pale, about 3 minutes.  Add vanilla and 2 teaspoons of the zest.  Add the flour mix and poppy seeds.

Stir together remaining 1/2 c. sugar,1 1/2 t. zest, and a few shakes of poppy seeds.  Roll spoonfuls of dough into 1 1/4-inch balls.  Roll them in sugar mix.  Press down until about 1/4 inch thick.

Bake until just browned around the edges, about 10 minutes.  Cool on racks.

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t = teaspoon
T = Tablespoon
c = cup