If you are searching for a bright, zesty treat that feels like sunshine wrapped up in a cookie, this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are tender yet slightly crisp at the edges, bursting with fresh lemon flavor from both juice and zest, and finished with a sparkling sugar coating that adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. Whether for an afternoon snack, a festive gathering, or just because you deserve a little citrusy joy, these cookies will quickly become your go-to lemony delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is a breeze because it relies on simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the softness of the butter to the tanginess of lemon, ensuring each bite feels fresh and satisfying.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tenderness ensuring a soft yet sturdy cookie.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right and gives them a light texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds a subtle lift and fluffiness to the dough.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling): Sweetens and contributes to a delicate crunchy exterior.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together while keeping the texture tender.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brings that fresh citrus zing essential for true lemon cookies.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon aroma and flavor with natural oils.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a warm, comforting note.
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it just right for baking. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper not only to prevent sticking but also to make cleanup a breeze. These small preparations ensure your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Combining these upfront guarantees even distribution throughout the dough so your cookies rise consistently and develop the ideal texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air, which gives your cookies their delicate crumb. Take your time here and enjoy watching the transformation!
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until just combined. Each addition layers complexity — the lemon juice adds brightness, zest delivers aromatic oils, and vanilla provides a hint of warmth that makes these cookies irresistible.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet
Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter just until a soft dough forms. Over-mixing can develop gluten, which means tougher cookies, so stop as soon as it comes together for a tender bite.
Step 6: Shape and Sugar Coating
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and gently roll into balls with your hands. Roll each ball in extra granulated sugar to create that signature sparkling exterior that adds crunch and a touch of elegance to each cookie.
Step 7: Bake
Place the sugared dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread without sticking. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set—this ensures a perfect balance of soft and crisp.
Step 8: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This short cooling period lets the cookies firm up a bit without losing softness in the middle, ensuring every bite is just right.
How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Although these cookies shine on their own, adding a simple garnish can amplify their charm. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect or a drizzle of lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra sweetness and zing.
Side Dishes
Pair these lemon sugar cookies with a cup of hot tea or fresh lemonade to complement their citrus notes. They also go wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside fresh berries for a refreshing dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies stacked tied with a cheerful ribbon for gifting, or arrange them on a bright summer-themed platter garnished with lemon slices and mint leaves to make any occasion feel festive and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover lemon sugar cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain soft and flavorful for several days, making them a ready snack for whenever a lemon craving hits.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for a quick treat that feels freshly baked.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked sensation, warm your cookies briefly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This step softens the edges and awakens the lemon aroma, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute lemon juice with lemon extract?
Yes! If you want a more intense lemon flavor, adding ½ teaspoon of lemon extract is a great alternative or complement to fresh lemon juice. Just keep in mind that extract is more concentrated, so adjust accordingly to avoid overpowering your cookies.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, you would need to substitute with a gluten-free baking blend designed for cookies, though texture may vary slightly.
How can I make the cookies more lemony?
For a bolder lemon punch, increase the lemon zest to 2 tablespoons or add a lemon glaze drizzle after baking. Both options enhance the citrus flavor without compromising the cookie’s delicate texture.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to about 1/8 teaspoon to keep the balance perfect. Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness, which is important for delicate recipes like these lemon sugar cookies.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. If the dough is too warm, cookies spread excessively. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help maintain their shape.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is a fantastic way to bring a burst of citrus sunshine to your kitchen with minimal effort but maximum flavor. They’re soft, bright, and perfectly sweet, ready to become a treasured classic in your recipe collection. Give them a try—you’ll be smiling over every zesty, sugary bite.
Print
Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Sugar Cookies are soft, zesty, and perfectly sweetened with fresh lemon juice and zest. Easy to make and baked to golden perfection, they offer a delightful citrus twist on classic sugar cookies, ideal for dessert or a refreshing snack.
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 (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: 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, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined, ensuring proper leavening and flavor distribution.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create tender cookies.
- Add Wet Flavorings: Add the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, and mix until fully incorporated for bright, citrusy flavor infusion.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms to avoid overworking and toughening the cookies.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll each into a ball, then roll the balls in extra granulated sugar to add a sweet, crunchy coating.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft for the perfect texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For an extra boost of lemon flavor, add ½ teaspoon of lemon extract to the wet ingredients.
- These cookies freeze well and can be stored in an airtight container to maintain their softness for several days.
- For a sweeter finish, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
