Old-fashioned Sugar Cookies

3 cups regular all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tsp lemon extract OR 1 tsp grated lemon peel

In a mixing bowl sift together flour, baking soda and baking powder. On low speed of mixer cut in butter until mixture resembles cornmeal. In a small mixing bowl beat eggs; add sugar and lemon extract and beat thoroughly. Blend egg mixture into flour-butter mixture. Chill dough.

On lightly floured surface roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness; cut with floured cookie cutters. With wide spatula transfer to baking sheet. Sprinkle with sugar if desired. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven 6-8 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove immediately to wire rack to cool.

Decorate with frosting instead of or in addition to sugar if desired.

Yield: 6 dozen