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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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