Day 2 of Cookie Week - Lemon Gems

So, here we are on Day 2 of Cookie Week.  And yet another yummy cookie recipe to share!  This time, it's all about Lemon, another one of my favorite flavors, especially of the summer.  Lemon is so fresh and full of flavor, I love it!  And if you love lemon as much as I do, you will love this special cookie, the Lemon Gem.  I found the recipe in a recent issue of Taste of Home Magazine.  These delightful cookies are small but packed full of lemon goodness.  They literally melt in your mouth.  All the components for a perfect cookie in my opinion.  I hope you enjoy them!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway on Monday's post.  Just tell me what your favorite cookie of all time is, and you just might win a great cookbook!  

Lemon Gems

adapted from Taste of Home Magazine

makes about 28 cookies

For the Cookie:

3/4 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

1 tablespoon grated lemon peel

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup colored nonpareils (or colored sugar)

For the Lemon Icing:

1 cup confectioners' sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel

1. In a small mixing bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in the lemon peel.  Whisk together the flour and cornstarch. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture and mix well.  Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.

2. Shape into a 1 3/4 in.-diameter roll, and roll it in the nonpareils.  Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until firm.

3. Unwrap and cut into 1/4 inch slices.  Place 1 inch apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.  Bake at 375 degrees for 9-11 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned.  Cool slightly and move cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

4. In a small bowl, combine icing ingredients and spread over cookies.