Step 1

Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

Step 2

Cream together the butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until quite light and fluffy.

Step 3

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. (Add the citrus zest here if using it.)

Step 4

Fold in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Step 5

Refrigerate the dough for an hour or so, especially if you are working in a hot kitchen.

Step 6

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 7

Roll the dough into about 1 inch balls.Roll the balls into additional sugar before placing them on lightly greased, or preferably parchment paper lined baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. I like to press them down lightly with the flat bottom of a drinking glass.

Step 8

Bake for 8-10 minutes just until the bottom edges begin to turn brown. These should still be quite light in color when baked.

Step 9

Cool for just a few minutes the pan before transferring the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 10

These freeze very well for weeks in airtight containers.