If you’re searching for the ultimate balance of zesty brightness and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe absolutely delivers! Imagine soft, chewy centers infused with real lemon juice and zest, all wrapped in a sparkling coat of sugar that provides the perfect little crunch with every bite. These cookies promise everything a truly memorable citrus treat should offer, making them the perfect bake for anyone who loves sunny, uplifting flavors in a classic cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is how it relies on pantry staples to create something utterly magical. Each ingredient plays a key role, from providing structure and flavor to adding the signature tangy twist or that lovely crinkle of sugar on top.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie, giving it just the right amount of structure without making the texture dense.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies spread and rise, giving them a light, slightly chewy texture.
- Baking powder: Adds extra lift for a softer, puffier cookie.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and intensifies the lemony brightness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich flavor and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and creates that pretty sparkle when the cookies are rolled before baking.
- Egg: Binds everything together for a tender, cohesive dough.
- Fresh lemon juice: Delivers authentic, bright citrus flavor in every bite.
- Lemon zest: Intensifies the lemony aroma and flavor for a truly vibrant cookie.
- Vanilla extract: Brings those warm, comforting undertones that round out the citrus beautifully.
- Extra granulated sugar (for rolling): Ensures each cookie bakes up with a crisp, shimmering edge.
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheets and Oven
Begin your Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only helps prevent sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze, keeping your cookies picture-perfect every time.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. The blending of these dry ingredients first ensures your cookies rise evenly and have that perfect, soft texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar for 2 to 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. This aeration is what gives the cookies their soft centers and just-right crumb.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined. This step infuses the dough with all that gorgeous lemon flavor while keeping everything moist and rich.
Step 5: Combine and Finish the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe delicate and tender.
Step 6: Scoop, Roll, and Coat in Sugar
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, then roll each into a ball. Roll each dough ball generously in extra granulated sugar to coat them all over—this creates that delightful, sparkling crunch once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden and the centers appear barely set. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—if you can resist!
How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, dust the cooled cookies with a touch more zest or a whisper of powdered sugar. You can even drizzle them lightly with a simple lemon glaze for a bakery-style finish that adds another layer of tart sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up, but they also pair beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The brightness of the Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is the ideal complement to creamy and fruity sides alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies in a clear jar for gifting—layer a bit of lemon zest between each one for an aromatic surprise! Arrange them on a tiered tray with edible flowers for spring parties, or sandwich a scoop of lemon or berry sorbet between two cookies for a homemade ice cream sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe fresh by storing cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, with the sugar coating providing a gentle crunch until the very last bite.
Freezing
If you want to save some cookies for later, these freeze like a dream. Simply place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with sheets of parchment between layers, and they’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy their fresh-from-the-oven taste whenever cravings strike.
Reheating
Want to bring back that just-baked warmth? Pop a cookie in the microwave for 6 to 8 seconds. This helps revive the softness and fills your kitchen with that citrusy aroma all over again.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe dough, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Just scoop, roll in sugar, and bake straight from the fridge when you’re ready.
How do I make the cookies extra lemony?
For an even bigger citrus punch, add an extra half teaspoon of lemon extract or a bit more zest to the dough. The result is a Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe bursting with brighter, more intense flavor.
Why did my cookies turn out flat?
Flat cookies can result from overly soft butter or overmixing the dough. Be sure to use butter just at room temperature and mix the dough only until just combined to keep that perfect soft-and-chewy texture.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, fresh lemon juice and zest bring out the cookie’s true potential. The freshness is key to the unique zing in this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend. The other ingredients and methods remain the same, yielding delicious gluten-free lemon sugar cookies with all the classic taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
Every time you bake this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe, you’re treating yourself (and anyone lucky enough to be nearby) to a sweet, sunny pick-me-up that’s impossible to resist. Give them a try—you’ll soon find yourself coming back to this cheerful, crowd-pleasing cookie again and again!
Print
Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat with a perfect balance of sweet and citrus flavors. Soft, chewy, and bursting with lemon zest, they are easy to make and great for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional:
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Combine wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Roll dough into balls, coat in sugar, place on baking sheets, bake for 9–11 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add ½ teaspoon lemon extract or more zest.
- These cookies freeze well—store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Avoid overbaking to maintain soft and chewy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
