If you’re looking for a bright, cheerful treat that feels like sunshine in every bite, this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies perfectly balance a zesty lemon punch with the classic sweetness of sugar cookies, delivering a soft, tender texture that melts in your mouth. Whether for a special occasion or simply to brighten your day, these Lemon Sugar Cookies are easy to whip up and totally irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all you need to create these delightful cookies. Each component plays a crucial role, from the rich buttery base to the fresh lemon zest that gives these cookies their signature zing and brightness.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for soft, chewy cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right, giving them a gentle fluffiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a little extra lift for a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives richness and adds to a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and creates a slight crunch when coating the cookies.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture for tender cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Infuses the cookies with a bright, fresh citrus flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Intensifies that lemony aroma and taste we love.
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure your cookies bake evenly without a fuss.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This blend ensures your cookies get that perfect rise and texture we’re aiming for in this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is important to incorporate air, leading to those soft, tender cookies.
Step 4: Add Egg, Vanilla, Lemon Juice, and Zest
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until everything is blended beautifully. This combination brings in the moisture, flavor, and aromatic freshness that give these cookies their irresistible charm.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, workable dough forms. It should be just soft enough to roll but not sticky.
Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar for an extra touch of sparkle and crunch. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them enough to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes until they’re lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. This bake time keeps them tender and chewy rather than crisp.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps them set perfectly without breaking.
How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze can elevate your Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe to a party-ready treat. You could also add a tiny sprinkle of lemon zest on top to brighten the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cup of hot tea or a refreshing glass of iced lemonade for a fabulously coordinated flavor experience. They also pair wonderfully with light fruit salads or yogurt parfaits for a balanced snack or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap a few cookies in parchment paper tied with a bright ribbon for charming gifts. Or stack them on a beautiful plate garnished with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves to wow your guests with both flavor and eye appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked Lemon Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for up to a week. Keeping them sealed ensures they remain soft and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough balls by placing them on a tray until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge before baking for fresh, just-made cookies anytime you crave them.
Reheating
If your cookies have cooled or been refrigerated, pop them in a warm oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes to revive that soft texture and bring back the lovely lemon aroma. Avoid the microwave as it can make cookies tough or rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
Absolutely. Lemon extract can be used if fresh lemons aren’t available, but fresh lemon juice and zest provide a brighter, more natural flavor that makes this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe so special.
What type of sugar is best for coating the cookies?
Granulated sugar is ideal because it creates a nice sparkly crunch on the outside. You could also experiment with sanding sugar for a touch of color and extra sparkle.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the dough a day in advance and keeping it refrigerated is a great way to save time. Just bring it to room temperature before scooping and rolling into balls for baking.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
The right balance of butter and sugar, along with not overbaking, is key to soft cookies. Make sure to watch the baking time closely and remove cookies when lightly golden at the edges.
Can this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe be gluten-free?
With some tweaks, yes! Substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum can work. However, the texture may vary slightly from the original recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is a delightful way to bring a burst of sunshine into your kitchen any time of the year. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll love how easy it is to create something so special and delicious. Give it a try and watch how these bright, zesty cookies become an instant favorite in your home!
Print
Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully zesty Lemon Sugar Cookies with a perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet sugar, these soft and slightly crisp cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Additional granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process helps create a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined, infusing the dough with bright lemon flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Shape and Coat: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll each into a ball, and coat generously in granulated sugar for a sweet, crunchy exterior.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each. Bake in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they firm up perfectly.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract in addition to the lemon juice and zest.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Storing cookies in an airtight container will keep them fresh for up to one week.
- For a slightly crispier texture, bake an additional 1–2 minutes but avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft inside.
