Lemon Buttermilk Cookies

These cookies are delicious.  They are soft, thick and cake-like while still having that wonderful cookie crunch.  I absolutely love the hint of lemon and the sprinkle of sugar on top.  They remind me of the lemon drop candies that I used to get from my Grandparents trading post store when I was little.  I loved the sugary coating over the tart lemon candy just like these cookies. 

2 cups of sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) of real unsalted butter
3 eggs
4 cups of all-purpose flour
1 tsp. of baking soda
1 tsp. of baking powder
1/4 tsp. of salt
3 T. of lemon juice + enough milk to = 1 cup (this is an over soured buttermilk)
2 tsp. of real vanilla extract
zest from 1 whole lemon
sugar for garnish

-Preheat oven to 375*.  Make buttermilk in a measuring cup and set to the side to rest (you will see it start to thicken slightly).  Cream sugar and butter together in a large mixing bowl; add in eggs one at a time mixing well.  In a smaller bowl mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt together.  Add dry ingredients into the butter mixture in small increments, alternating with small pours of the buttermilk.  Once it is thoroughly combined, stir in the vanilla and the fresh lemon zest.  Drop by heaping teaspoons onto greased cookie sheets (I use stone one's) and sprinkle with sugar.  Bake for 11-14 minutes (you are looking for a light brown edge).  Makes over 3 dozen.  Enjoy!