Melt Butter: Begin by melting ½ cup of butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until fully liquefied.

Prepare Sugar Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with the zest of 1 lemon. Rub together until fragrant.

Mix Wet Ingredients: Pour melted butter into the sugar mixture, whisk in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt.

Combine Mixtures: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated.

Scoop and Chill: Portion out the dough, roll into balls, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180ºC (355ºF).

Bake Cookies: Bake for 10 to 11 minutes until edges are golden but centers are soft.

Prepare Frosting: Whip together 8 oz of cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Frost Cookies: Once cookies are cooled, pipe or spread frosting on each cookie and garnish with poppy seeds and lemon slices.