LEMON RICOTTA BASIL COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375.
• Cookies:.
• In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• Combine sugar and roughly minced basil in food processor. Process/pulse until basil is thoroughly incorporated with sugar.
• Using an electric mixer beat the butter with the basil sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating until incorporated. Add the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Beat to combine. Stir in the dry ingredients. Chill dough for 1 hour.
• Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop cold dough (about 2 tablespoons, more or less) and roll into ball and flatten lightly with bottom of a glass. If sticking occurs, dip bottom of glass in water then granulated sugar then proceed.
• IF USING HAZELNUT SUGAR/LEMON TOPPING: Make as described below, then continue to bake for 12-15 minutes, until slightly golden at the edges. Remove from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 20 minutes. Using optional topping, you will omit the glaze.
• GLAZE:.
• Combine the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl and stir until smooth. Spoon about 1/2-teaspoon onto each cookie and use the back of the spoon to gently spread. Let the glaze harden for about 2 hours. Pack the cookies into a decorative container.
• HAZELNUT SUGAR/LEMON TOPPING:.
• Take hazelnut, sugar and lemon zest OR lemon oil and process in food processor to a fine powder. Take dough, form into balls and roll in mixture and flatten with the bottom of a glass. Proceed to baking instructions.