If you’re on the hunt for a bright, cheerful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to enjoy, this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies capture the perfect balance of tangy lemon zest and sweet sugar, resulting in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth delight that lights up every bite. Whether for a cozy afternoon tea or a refreshing dessert after dinner, these little gems bring sunshine to any occasion with their zesty flavor and tender texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to whip up these delightful cookies. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter ensuring tender bites to the fresh lemon zest that awakens your taste buds with a burst of citrus brightness.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup (softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb to your cookies.
- Granulated sugar, 1 ½ cups: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate crunch on the cookie’s surface.
- Fresh lemon zest, 2 tablespoons: Brings bright, aromatic citrus flavor that defines the cookies.
- Large egg, 1: Binds the dough together and adds a bit of moisture for softness.
- Fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons: Intensifies the lemony punch and adds natural tang.
- Vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon: Balances the citrus with a warm, sweet depth of flavor.
- All-purpose flour, 2 ¾ cups: The foundation that gives structure to the cookies.
- Baking soda, ½ teaspoon: Helps the dough rise slightly for a light texture.
- Baking powder, ½ teaspoon: Works with the baking soda to ensure a soft, fluffy cookie.
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Enhances the sweetness and citrus flavors perfectly.
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling: Adds a sparkling, sweet crust that’s delightful in every bite.
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Setting up your workspace ahead makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air, giving the cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture you’ll love.
Step 3: Add the Lemon and Egg Mixture
Mix in the fresh lemon zest, egg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract with the creamed butter and sugar. The lemon zest and juice infuse the cookie base with vibrant, citrusy notes, while the egg helps to hold everything together perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here can toughen cookies, so stop once you see no more streaks of flour.
Step 5: Shape and Roll in Sugar
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll each one in extra granulated sugar for a little sparkling crunch. Space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets to give the cookies room to spread as they bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn a light golden color. This sweet spot ensures your cookies are soft and chewy inside with a slight crisp on the outside. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra touch of charm, you can dust these cookies lightly with powdered sugar or top them with a thin glaze of lemon icing. A sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest on top right after baking adds a fresh pop that looks as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serve these Lemon Sugar Cookies alongside a cup of hot tea, lemon-infused sparkling water, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert duo that feels both indulgent and refreshing. They’re a perfect foil to creamy or fruity accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a pretty platter with fresh lemon slices, edible flowers, or sprigs of mint for a gorgeous presentation at parties or afternoon gatherings. You can even sandwich them with a layer of lemon curd or cream cheese frosting for an irresistible twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to a week, maintaining their delightful lemony flavor throughout.
Freezing
This Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe freezes wonderfully. Simply place unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen dough can be baked directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the cookies warm, quickly heat them in a microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and highlights the vibrant lemon flavor.
FAQs
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
Absolutely! Lemon extract can be used to intensify the lemon flavor. Just a few drops will enhance the citrus notes, but using fresh lemon juice gives a brighter, more natural tang.
How do I keep my lemon sugar cookies soft?
Be careful not to overbake; pull them out as soon as the edges turn lightly golden. Also, storing the cookies properly in an airtight container helps lock in moisture.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or shortening?
Butter provides the best flavor and texture for this recipe. While you can substitute margarine or shortening, the cookies may lack depth in flavor and won’t be as tender.
What if I don’t have baking powder? Can I omit it?
Baking powder helps the cookies rise properly, giving them a soft, fluffy texture. Without it, cookies might turn out dense and less delicate, so it’s best not to skip this ingredient.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes! Both the dough and the baked cookies freeze well, making it easy to enjoy fresh-tasting lemon sugar cookies anytime you want a quick treat.
Final Thoughts
If you want to brighten your baking repertoire with something zesty, sweet, and utterly irresistible, you really must try this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe. It’s easy, fun, and delivers a burst of sunshine in every bite. Sharing these cookies will surely bring smiles and make your kitchen a happier place. Give it a go—you’re going to love every lemony moment!
Print
Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery treats bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Perfectly sweet with a tangy lemon zest and juice in every bite, they offer a delightful balance of sugar and tartness. Easy to make and ideal for any occasion, these American-inspired cookies are rolled in extra sugar for a subtle crunch and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Rolling
- Extra granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes. This step creates a creamy base for the cookies.
- Add Lemon and Egg: Incorporate the fresh lemon zest, egg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined, giving your dough that bright citrus flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape and Roll Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each ball in extra granulated sugar. This outer sugar coating adds a subtle crunch and sparkle to the finished cookies.
- Place on Baking Sheets: Arrange the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and achieve the perfect texture.
Notes
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract to the dough.
- These cookies freeze well—store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months to enjoy later.
