Poppy Seed Cookies II

1 . Stage

Combine the butter, sugar, egg yolks, lemon or orange zest, nutmeg and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.

2 . Stage

Sift the flour, then add it and the poppy seeds to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.

3 . Stage

Divide dough into 4 equal parts. Form each piece into a 2 inch diameter cylinder and wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. At this point you can freeze the dough for later use.

4 . Stage

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

5 . Stage

Cut dough cylinders into 1/4 inch thick slices and place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 9 minutes. Let cookies cool on sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool. Once cool, store in an airtight container.