Shape and Bake

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and 1 Tbsp. lemon zest.
Use your fingertips to rub the lemon zest into the sugar until the sugar becomes very fragrant.
Add the lemon-scented sugar mixture with the baking soda and 2 Tbsp. poppy seeds to the basic sugar cookie dough recipe provided earlier.
Follow the steps for shaping and baking as instructed.

Prepare the basic sugar cookie dough recipe as directed, but substitute 2 tsp of vanilla bean paste for the vanilla extract.
Alternatively, cut a vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.
Add the vanilla bean seeds with the egg yolks.
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, place them 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet, and follow the baking instructions.

Prepare the sugar cookie dough as directed through shaping the dough into 1-inch balls.
In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.
Roll the dough balls in the sugar mixture before baking.
Enjoy: These three delightful variations of sugar cookies offer different flavors to suit various tastes.
Have fun baking and savoring these delicious cookies!
Remember to store the cookies between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container.
Store them at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls.
Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy: Your Classic Butter Sugar Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
This recipe yields approximately 48 servings, with one cookie per serving.