Lemon sandwich cookies

·                                                       16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature ·                            1 cup confectioners' sugar ·                            1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest (from 1 lemon) ·                            ½ teaspoon salt ·                            2 cups all purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for rolling ·                            2 table spoons granulated sugar, for sprinkling ·                            Creamy Lemon Filling (below)   ·                            Creamy lemon filling   ·                            4 ounces bar cream cheese, room temperature ·                            1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest 9from 1 lemon) ·                            1 to 1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar

Lemon Sandwich Cookies   Makes 3 Dozen | Prep time: 45 minutes | Total time: 2 ¼ hours     1.       Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on high speed, beat butter, confectioners' sugar, lemon zest, and salt, until combined. With mixer on low, add flour 9dough will still be stiff); finish mixing with a wooden spoon. 2.       Turn dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap, pat into a disk about ½ inch thick. Wrap, and chill until firm, about 1 hour (and up to 3 days). 3.       Unwrap dough; place on a lightly floured piece of parchment or waxed paper. With a lightly floured rolling pin, roll dough about 1/8 inch thick (if dough cracks, let it warm up slightly). 4.       Cut out cookies with a 1 1/2-inch round cutter (re-roll scraps once, chilling of too soft). Place 1 inch apart on two baking sheets; sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake until barely beginning to brown, 15 to 20 minutes; transfer to wire racks to cool completely. 5.       Form sandwiches: Place about 1 teaspoon Creamy Lemon Filling between two cookies, sugared sides facing out; squeeze gently. Creamy Lemon Filling 1.       In a small bowl, mix cream cheese and zest until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup confectioners' sugar, missing until smooth. Mix in remaining sugar as necessary to create a firm but spreadable filling.