Lemon Wreaths

Lemon Wreaths

Makes 6 dozen

For the cookies:

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for surface

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 ¼ teaspoons coarse salt

2/3 granulated sugar

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

For the glaze:

3 cups confectioners’ sugar

7 to 8 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 4 lemons)

¼ cup plus two tablespoons white nonpareils, for sprinkling

1. Preheat oven to 350®. Make the cookies: Combine flour, baking powder , salt in a bowl. Pulse sugar and zest in a food processor until combined, about 2 minutes.

2. Beat sugar-zest mixture and butter in a mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and lemon juice. Reduce speed to low. Gradually add flour mixture, and beat until combined.

3. Scoop 1 tablespoon dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Roll dough into a 4-inch rope. Bring ends together, overlapping slightly, and press together to form a ring. Repeat with remaining dough. Transfer rings to parchment-lined baking sheets, about 1 ½ inches apart. Bake until pale golden on the bottoms and around the edges, about 18 minutes. Transfer to wire racks and let cool.

4. Make the glaze: Whisk together confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Dip the top side of each cookie into the glaze, letting excess drip off. Return cookies to wire racks, glaze side up, and sprinkle with nonpareils. Let dry completely.