You can use either finely ground or coarsely ground black pepper in these unusual cookies—it depends on your own preference. You can also use ground pink peppercorns for a subtle change.

INGREDIENTS | YIELDS 36 COOKIES

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

1. Whisk dry ingredients, including lemon zest, together in a bowl. Place in a zip-top bag; seal and allow to stand overnight so lemon flavor permeates flour.

2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add egg, milk, vanilla, and lemon juice; blend well. Stir in dry ingredients; blending well.

4. Form into logs; wrap in wax paper. Chill overnight, or freeze.

5. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F.

6. Slice dough ¼" thick; place on baking sheet.

7. Bake 8–10 minutes. Cool.