Preheat oven to 350℉. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and lemon zest until aromatic. Add butter and beat until light and fluffy. Add in vanilla, egg, and juice. Scrape sides and mix again.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add to butter mixture all at once. Mix on low speed until combined. Scrape sides of bowl and mix again briefly. Pour powdered sugar onto a small bowl. Roll a heaping teaspoon of dough into a ball and roll in powdered sugar. Place on baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough.
Flatten cookies slightly with the palm of your hand
Bake for 11 minutes or until cookies look matte {not melty or shiny}. Remove from oven and cool cookies on baking sheet about 3 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.