Mamaw McGee's Tea Cakes

Mamaw McGee was a wonderful cook and she kept a rather large garden that she tended up into her 80s. It seemed that she always had the perfect treat to have with coffee in the afternoon. These cookies bring back many fond memories. I wonder where she got all of her energy?

1 1/2 cups sugar
3 cups flour
1 cup oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
3 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
lemon zest - just a little - optional

Cream sugar and oil well. Add eggs and flavoring and blend. Fold in dry ingredients sifted. You don't need to roll out these cookies. Pinch a little dough, roll into a ball, flatten out on cookie sheet. Bake 350 degrees for 12 minutes or until light brown. If you cook too long, they will be dry. Cool on wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Note: The dough looks oily, but these cooking turn out factastic!