Citrus Sugar Cookies

Happy Valentine’s Day!! When I was a little girl, my Dad had 3 valentines every year(my mom, me, and my sis).  He would bring home 1 big bouquet of flowers and big box of chocolates for my mom and 2 smaller bouquets and box of chocolates for my sister and I.  He sure knew how to make all his girls feel special!  In honor of this special day, I decided to make some citrus sugar cookies.  Adding citrus zest to these cookies gives them a wonderful flavor, so you don’t need to add frosting (well of course you can add frosting if you want), but I just added some colored sugar for presentation.  These cookies are delicious and perfect for your special someone.  Hope you are enjoying your day!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Decorative sugar for sprinkling

Directions:

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter until fluffy.  Add sugar and beat for 2 minutes until combined.
2. Add egg yolk and vanilla and beat until smooth.
3. In a small bowl, combine flour, salt, and zests and add to butter mix.  Beat on low until combined.
4. Scrape the dough onto a work surface and divide into 2 discs.  Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
5. Remove dough from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350 and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. On a floured work surface, roll out one disc of dough to 1/4 inch thick.  Using a heat cookie cutter, cut out shapes and place on baking sheet.
8. Repeat with the remaining dough scrapes being sure not to roll the dough more than 2 times, as it will become tough.
9. Repeat with the second disc of dough.
10. Sprinkle tops of cookies with sugar.
11. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until tops are light golden.  Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on baking sheet before moving to a wire rack.