Ingredients
1/3 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups unsalted pistachio nuts (6 ounces)
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
Milk or lemon juice
Directions
1. Line an extra-large cookie sheet or 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease; set aside. In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt; beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. Beat in the 4 teaspoons lemon peel and as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour and nuts.
2. On a lightly floured surface, divide dough into 3 equal portions. Shape each portion into an 8-inch-long loaf. Flatten loaves to about 2-1/2 inches wide. Place at least 3 inches apart on prepared cookie sheet(s).
3. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and tops are cracked. (Loaves will spread slightly.) Cool on cookie sheet for 30 minutes.
4. Transfer loaves to a cutting board. Cut each loaf diagonally into 1/2-inch slices. Place slices, cut sides down, on the same parchment-lined cookie sheets. Bake in a 325 degree F oven for 8 minutes. Turn slices over and bake 8 to 10 minutes more or until dry and crisp. Transfer to a wire rack; cool.
5. In a small mixing bowl stir together the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel. Stir in enough milk or lemon juice (1 to 2 tablespoons) to make icing of drizzling consistency. Dip ends of cookies into icing or drizzle with icing.
Makes 36.
Make-Ahead Tip: Bake and cool cookies as directed, but do not dip in icing. Place in a freezer container or bag and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw cookies about 15 minutes. Dip cookies into or drizzle with icing.
Source: Better Homes & Gardens