Lemon-Thyme Squares

These squares are small, delicate, flaky little sugar cookies - but the flavors of lemon, basil, and cardamom really come through nicely. They have a good balance of savory and sweet, without being too much of either. They are so easy to make too - just beat everything together, cut into squares, bake, and done! If you don't have a scalloped-edge wheel cutter, you could use cookie cutters to cut into shapes instead. Enjoy!

RECIPE: Lemon-Thyme Squares
makes 36 small squares

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 teaspoons lemon peel, finely shredded
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
course sugar or granulated sugar

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350F. In a medium mixing bowl, beat butter on medium high speed for 30 seconds. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Beat until combined, scraping side of bowl occasionally. Beat in thyme, lemon peel, lemon juice, and cardamom. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour. Knead mixture until smooth; form dough into a ball.

Divide dough into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6x4.5-inch rectangle (about 1/4 inch thick) on a lightly floured surface. Cut dough into 1.5-inch squares with a knife or scalloped-edge pastry wheel - or cookie-cutters to cut out shapes. Sprinkle squares with coarse or granulated sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are just lightly browned. Transfer cookies to wire racks and let cool.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze for up to 3 months.