LEMON BUTTER COOKIE PRESS COOKIES

2 cups butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp lemon extract
1 tsp finely grated lemon peel, optional
Whole macadamia nuts or almonds, optional

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Place parchment paper on cookie sheets; set aside.

Beat butter at medium speed of an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well. Add the flour, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each cup. Stir in the lemon extract and the lemon peel, if using.

Fill cookie press with the dough according to the manufacturer's instructions. Press cookies onto the prepared baking sheets. Press nuts into centers of cookies, if using.

Bake cookies at 325 degrees 12 to 15 minutes until lightly browned around edges. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Yield: 8 dozen cookies