1 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
1-1/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
Yellow colored sugar, optional

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and lemon peel; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle. On a lightly floured surface, roll out to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut with 2-1/2 inch cookie cutters dipped in flour. Place 1-inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Sprinkle with colored sugar if desired.

Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Yield: about 6 dozen.

Submitted by: Jordan Banks