Lemon Sugar Cookies

Introduction

There’s just something about a perfectly baked cookie that makes the world feel right. And when that cookie is soft, slightly tangy, and perfectly sweet with just a hint of citrus, it’s like a little slice of sunshine in every bite. That’s exactly what these Lemon Sugar Cookies deliver.

I first made these cookies one lazy afternoon when I was craving something light and fresh, but I didn’t want to stray too far from the classic sugar cookie. That’s when I realized: why not combine the crisp, buttery sweetness of a sugar cookie with the bright, zesty punch of lemon? The result was a cookie that’s subtly tangy, refreshingly sweet, and absolutely irresistible. It quickly became a staple in my household, especially in the warmer months when fresh lemons are in abundance.

What I love most about these Lemon Sugar Cookies is that they’re simple but feel special. The tang of the lemon zest and juice adds just the right amount of brightness without overpowering the delicate sweetness of the sugar cookie base. And with that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture? Honestly, it’s hard to eat just one.

Whether you’re making these for a family gathering, a potluck, or just because you need a cookie fix (guilty!), these Lemon Sugar Cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. So, let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’m going to share with you all the reasons why these Lemon Sugar Cookies are going to become your new favorite treat:

• Bright and Refreshing Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon zest and juice adds a delightful citrusy twist to the classic sugar cookie, giving you a refreshing bite every time.
• Super Soft Texture: These cookies are soft, pillowy, and light, with just the right amount of chew. No crunch here—only tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these cookies are a breeze to make. Plus, you can easily whip up a batch when you need something sweet in a pinch.
• Perfectly Balanced: The balance between the sweetness of the sugar and the tanginess of the lemon is pure perfection. It’s not too tart, not too sweet—just the right amount of both.

Trust me when I say you’re going to want to bake these often. They’re perfect for just about any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch or just treating yourself (because who doesn’t deserve a little indulgence?).

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 40 minutes (10 minutes prep, 12-15 minutes baking)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 24-30 cookies, depending on how large you roll the dough.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 22g
• Fat: 7g
• Sugar: 10g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Lemon Sugar Cookies:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your cookie dough. Make sure to measure the flour properly for the perfect texture.
• 1 tsp baking soda: This gives the cookies their soft, chewy texture.
• 1/2 tsp salt: To enhance the flavor of the sugar and lemon.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Butter makes these cookies rich and tender.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough, and we’ll also use some for rolling the cookies.
• 1 large egg: To bind the dough together and give the cookies structure.
• 2 tbsp lemon zest (freshly grated): This is where the magic happens. The zest adds a burst of lemon flavor that elevates the whole cookie.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: For that perfect citrusy tang.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the lemon.
• Sugar for rolling: For the classic sugar cookie crunch and a sparkly finish.

Why these ingredients matter:

• Lemon zest and juice: These two ingredients give the cookies that fresh, citrusy punch. The zest provides essential oils that are packed with flavor, while the juice adds a lovely tartness.
• Butter: It’s what makes the cookie dough soft and melt-in-your-mouth. Be sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar: This is what gives the cookies their sweet, sugary exterior and helps with the texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to bake? Let’s break it down step by step so you can have the perfect Lemon Sugar Cookies, every time:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will give it time to heat up while you prep the dough.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and the baking soda gets evenly mixed throughout.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The texture of the butter-sugar mixture is crucial—it should be airy, which helps the cookies bake up soft.
4. Add Egg, Lemon, and Vanilla: Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. You’ll notice that the dough will begin to take on a lovely yellow hue thanks to the zest and lemon juice. Don’t be afraid to give the dough a little scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is mixed evenly.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as it can result in dense cookies. You want the dough to come together without being too stiff.
6. Form the Dough Balls: Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. This recipe will make about 24-30 cookies, depending on the size of each ball.
7. Roll in Sugar: Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar until it’s fully coated. This not only gives your cookies a nice crunch but also helps them bake evenly. If you like a little extra sweetness, you can use coarse sugar for a bit of sparkle.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. They will continue to cook a bit on the baking sheet once you pull them out, so be careful not to overbake.
9. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they firm up nicely without becoming too crumbly.

How to Serve

These Lemon Sugar Cookies are delicious all on their own, but here are a few fun ways to serve them:

• With a Cup of Tea: Pair your cookies with a hot cup of chamomile or Earl Grey tea for a cozy treat.
• On a Cookie Platter: If you’re hosting a brunch or party, these cookies look beautiful arranged on a platter with other baked goods.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an extra special treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet.

Additional Tips

Here are some pro tips to make sure your Lemon Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly:

1. Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter is crucial for the right texture. Cold butter won’t mix well, and melted butter will change the cookie’s consistency.
2. Measure Your Flour Correctly: To avoid dense cookies, spoon your flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Too much flour can make the dough too stiff.
3. Chill the Dough (Optional): If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
4. Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is different! Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Pull them out as soon as the edges are golden and the centers are still soft.
5. Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest give the cookies that zingy flavor. Bottled lemon juice just won’t compare in terms of brightness.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix it up a bit? Here are some fun ways to tweak this recipe:

• Lemon-Lavender Sugar Cookies: Add a teaspoon of dried lavender to the dough for a floral twist that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free without losing any of that soft texture.
• Lemon Poppy Seed: Add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the dough for a fun texture and extra lemony flavor.
• Iced Lemon Sugar Cookies: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra burst of citrus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

While fresh lemon juice and zest are ideal for this recipe to give your cookies the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. However, the taste won’t be as vibrant or fresh, and you might miss out on the zesty oils in the lemon peel. If you use bottled lemon juice, make sure to add a little extra zest to enhance the flavor.

2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time! You have a few options:

• Make the dough ahead: You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days. Just scoop it into balls, chill, and bake when you’re ready.
• Freeze the dough: Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Bake and store: After baking, store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They stay soft and fresh!

3. Can I add frosting to these cookies?

Absolutely! If you love a little extra sweetness, you can drizzle a simple lemon glaze or frosting over the cooled cookies. For a glaze, mix powdered sugar with a splash of lemon juice. If you prefer frosting, cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with these cookies and adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness.

4. What is the best way to store Lemon Sugar Cookies?

Store your Lemon Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps to preserve their soft texture and keeps them fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent them from sticking together.

5. Can I use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer?

Yes, a stand mixer works just as well for this recipe. Simply use the paddle attachment and mix on medium speed until the butter and sugar are light and fluffy, and then continue with the rest of the recipe. A stand mixer might even help you achieve a little extra fluffiness in the dough!

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Conclusion

These Lemon Sugar Cookies are everything you’ve ever wanted in a cookie: soft, sweet, and bursting with refreshing citrus flavor. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your lemons, preheat that oven, and get baking. You’re just one batch away from enjoying these irresistible, soft, and zesty cookies!

Happy baking!