Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) vanilla bean paste
  • 2 tablespoons (12g) fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 ¾ cups (340g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (16g) cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5g) baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) vanilla bean powder
  • ½ teaspoon (1g) lemon zest, finely grated

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, beat the 225g softened butter and 200g granulated sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Stir in the 1 large egg, 15ml vanilla bean paste, 12g lemon zest, and 15ml lemon juice; beat vigorously until the batter is smooth, thick, and glossy.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 340g all-purpose flour, 16g cornstarch, 5g baking soda, and 3g salt.
  4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing just until the flour streaks disappear.
  5. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  7. In a small dish, combine 50g granulated sugar, 2g vanilla bean powder, and 1g lemon zest to create the coating.
  8. Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball, and toss in the vanilla-lemon sugar until evenly coated.
  9. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  10. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are barely golden and the centers still look slightly underbaked.
  11. Cool the cookies on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.