Lemon Poundcake Cookies

#### Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven**:
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)** and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will ensure that the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the sheet.

2. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking powder**, and **salt**. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

3. **Cream the Butter and Sugar**:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to beat the **softened butter** and **granulated sugar** together until light and fluffy, about **3-4 minutes**. This process incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies light and tender.

4. **Add Wet Ingredients**:
To the butter and sugar mixture, add the **egg**, **fresh lemon juice**, **lemon zest**, and **vanilla extract**. Mix until well combined. The lemon juice will give the cookies a refreshing tang while the zest adds a burst of citrusy fragrance.

5. **Incorporate Dry Ingredients**:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies dense. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.

6. **Shape the Dough**:
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, portion out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about **2 inches apart** on the prepared baking sheet, as they will spread slightly during baking.

7. **Bake the Cookies**:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for **10-12 minutes**, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies should be soft and slightly firm to the touch. Be careful not to overbake them, as they are best when soft and tender.

8. **Cool the Cookies**:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about **5 minutes** before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cookies firm up without losing their soft texture.

9. **Optional Glaze**:
If you’d like to add a little extra sweetness and shine to your cookies, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together **powdered sugar** and **lemon juice** until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies for a glossy finish and an extra layer of lemon flavor.

10. **Serve and Enjoy**:
Once the glaze has set (if using), serve your Lemon Poundcake Cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee. These cookies are the perfect combination of citrusy, buttery, and sweet.

### Tips for the Best Lemon Poundcake Cookies

– **Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest**: For the most vibrant lemon flavor, always use **fresh lemons** for both the juice and zest. The zest in particular adds a fragrant punch that really enhances the citrus notes of the cookies.

– **Chill the Dough (Optional)**: If your cookie dough feels too soft to handle, you can chill it in the fridge for **30 minutes**. This will make it easier to shape the dough and prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

– **Make Them Extra Lemon-y**: If you want a more intense lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon juice or zest slightly. Just be cautious, as too much liquid can affect the texture of the dough.

– **Variations**: While these cookies are already delicious, you can add extra ingredients for variety. Try mixing in a handful of **white chocolate chips** or a few **poppy seeds** for added texture and flavor.

– **Storage**: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to **5 days**. They also freeze well for up to **3 months** if you want to make a large batch in advance.

### Why Lemon Poundcake Cookies Are a Must-Try

There’s something truly special about the combination of buttery dough and the bright, refreshing flavor of lemon. These **Lemon Poundcake Cookies** offer the best of both worlds—soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a tangy citrus punch that’s perfect for any season. The cookies are light but satisfying, making them ideal for an afternoon snack or an after-dinner treat.

What’s more, their easy preparation and versatile nature make them suitable for a wide variety of occasions. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just want a sweet bite to enjoy on a lazy day, these cookies will always deliver. Plus, the addition of a simple glaze takes these cookies to the next level, giving them a touch of elegance that’s sure to impress guests.

Give these **Lemon Poundcake Cookies** a try, and let their fresh, zesty flavor become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!