Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add wet ingredients: Mix in egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and food coloring if using.
5. Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
6. Shape cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and coat in the remaining 1/4 cup sugar.
7. Bake: Place on prepared baking sheets and bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
9. Optional glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice together, then drizzle over cooled cookies.
10. Serve: Let glaze set before serving.