Italian "S" Cookies

 This recipe was given to me by a friend many years ago. You can make them plain or add glaze or sugar topping.   They are good either way.  I was told they are good with a cup of coffee, but I don't drink coffee so I don't know.  I do like them with hot tea. I make them with orange and lemon zest, but normally they are made only with lemon zest.

ITALIAN "S" COOKIES

(around 2 dozen)

Ingredients:

*4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

*2 teaspoons baking powder

*4 large eggs

*1 cup granulated sugar

*3/4 cup light olive oil

*1 lemon zest

*1 orange zest (optional)

Sugar Topping:

* 1 egg

*1/8 cup granulated sugar 

Glaze Topping:

*Juice from 1 lemon 

*1/4 cup powder sugar 

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

~Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

~In a large mixing bowl, add flour and baking powder and mix.

~Add in eggs, granulated sugar, olive oil, lemon zest and orange zest (optional).

~Mix until mixture comes together and is mixed.

~Place dough on a clean surface (you may need to lightly flour it, but I normally don't need to).

~Mix dough my hand a little more, until its rolls easily (If you find the dough is cracking while you are rolling it out, then work for a few more seconds).

~Roll the dough out into a 6 or 7 inch rope about 1-inch thick (you can make them bigger or thicker if you like, but you may need to bake them a little longer depending on how thick you make them).

~Form into an "s" shape and place on cookie sheet, leaving at least 2-inches between each cookie.

~Break egg into small bowl, and whisk.

~Brush egg on top of cookie.

~If using the sugar topping, sprinkle cookies with desired amount of sugar.

~Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until cookies a light golden brown.

~Remove from oven and place on a cooking rack.

~If using the glaze topping: In a small bowl whisk lemon juice and powdered sugar together.   Brush a small amount of glaze on top of cookie and allow to cool