Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Lemon Sugar Cookies are a bright and zesty twist on a classic treat. Soft in the center with a delicate citrus flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion where you want a sweet, refreshing cookie.

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 (175°C) 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, and mix well until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Step 6: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each ball in granulated sugar. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
7. Step 7: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft.
8. Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Step 9: Serve your lemon sugar cookies warm or store for later enjoyment.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger lemon flavor, rub the lemon zest into the sugar before mixing it with the butter.
• Chill the dough if it feels too soft to handle, which makes shaping easier.
• Double roll the dough balls in sugar for extra sparkle and crunch.
• Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should remain slightly soft in the center for the best texture.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for bright and natural flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Adjust to taste if the bottled juice is less tart.

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 very soft. Also, spacing the dough balls about 2 inches apart helps prevent sticking and excessive spreading.

Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 147 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Lemon Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat featuring a perfect balance of bright lemon flavor and sweet sugary goodness. Soft and slightly chewy with a crisp edge, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The fresh lemon zest and juice add a refreshing twist that makes these cookies stand out.

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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 Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat the 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 bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the egg, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
5. Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Roll the dough balls in additional granulated sugar for a sparkly coating and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Cook to Perfection: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly soft.
7. Finishing Touches: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve and Enjoy: These lemon sugar cookies can be enjoyed warm or stored in an airtight container for later.

Notes

• Rub lemon zest into the sugar before mixing to heighten the lemon flavor.
• Avoid overbaking; the cookies should be slightly soft in the center to maintain a chewy texture.
• If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator before shaping.
• For extra sparkle and sweetness, roll the dough balls twice in sugar before baking.

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

Keywords: lemon sugar cookies, lemon cookies, easy cookie recipe, soft cookies, lemon zest cookies, homemade cookies