Old School Tea Cake Cookies

These Old School Tea Cake Cookies combine a soft, buttery texture with a hint of vanilla and a delicate sprinkle of lemon zest for a refreshing twist. Perfectly sweet and subtly flavored, they make for a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. This recipe respects traditional baking principles while adding a creative touch with the citrus zest, making it a charming addition to any dessert table.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, which is perfect.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.