Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Sugar Cookies offer a bright, citrusy twist on classic sugar cookies. With tender edges and a soft center, these cookies are perfect for anytime you want a sweet treat with a refreshing lemon flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and lemon zest until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add the egg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Step 6: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll each in granulated sugar, and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
8. Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Step 9: Serve warm or store for later enjoyment.

Tips & Variations

• Rub the lemon zest into the sugar before mixing to boost the lemon flavor.
• Don’t overbake—the cookies should remain slightly soft in the center for the best texture.
• If your dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes before shaping.
• For extra sparkle, roll the dough balls in sugar twice before baking.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To refresh, warm them slightly in the oven or microwave before serving. These cookies can also be frozen for longer storage; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but if you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute with slightly less vibrant taste.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough if it feels too soft. Also, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart helps prevent them from merging during baking.

Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 80 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

These Lemon Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat, boasting a bright, zesty lemon flavor paired with a soft, chewy texture. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and a sugary coating that adds a sparkling finish, these cookies make a refreshing and irresistible dessert or snack for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• ½ teaspoon Salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Zest
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined, ensuring the leavening is well distributed.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture. Then add the egg, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vanilla extract; mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
4. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
5. Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and gently roll each in additional granulated sugar for a sparkling finish. Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading during baking.
6. Cook to Perfection: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden while the centers still appear slightly soft to the touch, ensuring a chewy texture.
7. Finishing Touches: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents breakage and maintains their shape.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy the cookies warm for a soft, tender bite, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for later indulgence.

Notes

• Rub the lemon zest into the sugar before mixing to release more oils and intensify the lemon flavor.
• Avoid overbaking; cookies should remain slightly soft in the center to keep them chewy.
• If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping.
• For extra sparkle and sweetness, double-coat the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking.
• This recipe pairs well with a light lemon glaze or dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: lemon sugar cookies, lemon cookies, soft lemon cookies, citrus cookies, easy cookie recipe, baking, lemon zest cookies