Gorete's Portuguese Washboard Cookies

This recipe makes about 48 cookies.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Mix the butter with 1 cup of the sugar on medium high-speed for 1 minute.
3. Beat in the eggs (one at a time), blending well after each one, until the mixture is fluffy and pale yellow (about 3 minutes) and stir in the lemon zest.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt to combine.
5. Fold the flour into the butter mixture using a spatula and mix well.
6. Gently knead the dough in the bowl for about 5 minutes.
7. Place the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar in a shallow dish.
8. Using a small cookie scoop, shape pieces of dough into balls, then roll in the sugar.
9. Place the cookies on a parchment lined or lightly greased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart.
10. Flatten the cookies gently using the tines of a fork or make the horizontal lines.
11. Bake for 18  to 20 minutes, or until they turn a light golden colour. 
12. Cool on the cookie trays for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Note: I like to rotate the cookie trays from top to bottom, halfway through the cooking process.