Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • Confectioners' sugar, optional

Method

  • In a small bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Gradually add flour and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until easy to handle.
  • Roll into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased
  • . Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, make an indentation in the center of each.
  • Bake at 350° for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
  • For filling, in a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt. Stir in lemon juice until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low; cook and stir for 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; gently stir in butter and lemon zest. Cool.
  • Spoon 1/2 teaspoonful into each cookie. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired.