1 ½cups(340g)butter, softened to cool room temperature
1 ½cups(318g)granulated sugar
½cup(57g)powdered sugar
4largeeggs
1teaspoonvanilla
½teaspoonalmond extract, optional
1tablespoonlemon zest, from about 1 lemon
5cups(710g)all-purpose flour
2teaspoonsbaking powder
1teaspoonsalt
Instructions
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar and powdered sugar for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using) and lemon zest; mix until thoroughly combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the flour, baking powder and salt. Mix just until flour is incorporated and the dough is smooth and soft.
Press the dough into a thick disc on a sheet of plastic wrap. Wrap until fully covered and refrigerate for several hours (or up to 2 days). *The dough can be rolled out right away; however the cookies won't hold their shape quite as well in the oven - if doing so, you'll need to use quite a bit more flour on the counter to make sure the dough doesn't stick.*
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. If your oven bakes hot, reduce the temperature to 375 degrees F.
Lightly dust a counter with powdered sugar or flour and roll the dough to 1/4-inch or slightly thicker. If the dough has been chilled longer than a few hours, let it rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften enough to roll out.
Cut the dough into shapes. Place the cookies several inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake for 7-8 minutes. DO NOT OVER BAKE! There should be no browning on the edges or the bottom of the cookies and the center of the cookies may look just slightly underdone.
Let the cookies rest on the baking pans for 2 to 3 minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frost and sprinkle as desired.
Notes
Baking Temp: the baking temperature for this recipe may seem high but I believe it is one of the keys to success. The cookies still remain soft and light because they bake for such a short time (and they keep their shape really well!). If your oven bakes hot, reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees F.