Classic Sugar Cookies

These are simple, old-fashioned sugar cookies that travel well and keep well in the heat. They are fairly plain, as they are just sugar cookies, but they do have a nice flavor from the vanilla (real vanilla extract is crucial). I didn't add the lemon zest because I didn't have any, but that would probably make the cookies even better! These cookies are sweet, with just the right texture. They could be iced and decorated, if you want, but they are good with just a little rolling in sugar.

Classic Sugar Cookies
1 cup melted butter or hard margarine
1 cup powdered (confectioner's) sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 cups all-purpose (plain) flour
additional granulated sugar, for rolling dough balls

In a large bowl, stir together the butter and sugars. Let cool to room temperature before adding the egg and vanilla. Add the lemon, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Add the flour in one-cup increments, mixing well after each addition. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill at least one hour. Overnight is fine too.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 325◦F. Grease or line cookie sheets. Roll dough into 1/2 inch balls and roll in granulated sugar. Place two inches apart on prepared cookie sheets. Flatten slightly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until set and edges are just starting to brown. Cool on cookie sheet for two minutes before removing to cool completely. 
Makes about four dozen (48) cookies.
Recipe from Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder. 

Fluke, Joanne. "Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies." Recipe. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder, New York: Kensington, 2000. 234-235.