Extra Special Lemon Drop Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup one stick unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 3 lemons, zest of
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 dash salt
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

2. 2

   In the bowl of a mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter, shortening and cream cheese at medium speed until smooth, about two minutes.

3. 3

   In the bowl of a food processor, combine granulated sugar and lemon zest. Pulse several times to combine.

4. 4

   Add two cups of lemon/sugar combination, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt to the mixer bowl and beat for several minutes to combine.

5. 5

   Add eggs yolks, lemon juice and vanilla and beat to combine. Turn mixer to slow speed and gradually add flour.

6. 6

   Roll dough into 1” balls, roll balls in remaining lemon/sugar mixture and place 2” apart, on a baking sheet fitted with parchment paper or a silpat. Bake 12 – 14 minutes until just barely browned.

7. 7

   Note: The key to make these cookies lemony special is combining granulated sugar and lemon zest in a food processor. This sugar is used both in the dough and to roll the cookie in before baking.