Lemon-Basil Butter Cookies

Ingredients

• 78 servings garnish: basil sprigs fresh
• 1 pound butter softened
• 1 large eggs 
• 6 cups flour all-purpose
• 1 cup lemon-basil leaves fresh
• 0.3 cup juice of lemon 
• 1.8 cups sugar divided

Equipment

• food processor
• baking sheet
• oven
• hand mixer

Directions

1. Process basil and 1/4 cup sugar in a food processor until blended.
2. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar, beating well.
3. Add lemon juice and egg, beating until blended. Gradually add flour and basil mixture, beating until blended.
4. Shape dough into 1-inch balls, and place 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets. Flatten slightly with bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.
5. Bake at 350 for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.
6. Garnish, if desired.
7. * Plain fresh basil leaves may be substituted for lemon-basil leaves.