Lemon Teacakes

Lemon Teacakes

Cookies Ingredients:

2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 cup Butter, softened
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1 to 2 drops yellow food coloring, if desired

Glaze Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons milk
1 small drop yellow food coloring, if desired

Garnish Ingredients:
Candied violets or tiny frosting flowers

Heat oven to 350°F. In large mixer bowl combine all cookie ingredients except flour, lemon peel and food coloring. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy (2 to 3 minutes). By hand, stir in flour until well mixed.
In small bowl place 3/4 cup dough. By hand, stir in lemon peel and food coloring. Shape lemon flavored dough into 36 (1/2-inch) balls.
Divide remaining dough into 36 pieces. Place 1 lemon dough ball in center of each piece of plain dough. Shape into 1-inch balls, making sure lemon dough is covered. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool completely.

In medium bowl stir together all glaze ingredients. Dip top of each cookie into glaze. Place on wire cooling rack over waxed paper to let excess glaze drip off. Garnish with candied violets before glaze sets.

Makes 3 dozen cookies