Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
If you are searching for a delightfully refreshing treat to brighten your day or add a sunny twist to your cookie jar, this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies boast a perfect balance of zesty lemon brightness with sweet, buttery softness that melts in your mouth. Whether enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or shared at a lively gathering, these lemon sugar cookies bring a cheerful burst of flavor that’s irresistibly charming and endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect batch of lemon sugar cookies is all about choosing simple, fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component plays a big role — from the creamy butter that adds tenderness to the lemon zest that infuses a vibrant citrus kick that makes these cookies stand out.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup: Room temperature butter ensures your dough mixes smoothly and yields soft, tender cookies.
- Granulated sugar, 1 ½ cups: Sweetens the dough while helping create a slightly crisp exterior once baked.
- Lemon zest, 3 tablespoons: Fresh zest packs a fragrant citrus punch that defines the cookie’s flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons: Adds bright acidity to balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Large egg, 1: Binds ingredients together and contributes to a tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour, 3 cups: Forms the structure of the cookies, giving them that satisfying bite.
- Baking soda, 1 teaspoon: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and fluffy.
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Sugar for rolling, ¼ cup: Gives the cookies a sparkling, sweet crust and a bit of crunch.
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest
Start by beating the room temperature unsalted butter with granulated sugar and fresh lemon zest. Use a mixer to whip these together for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air for a tender texture and ensures the lemon zest releases its aromatic oils evenly.
Step 2: Add Lemon Juice and Egg
Next, add the fresh lemon juice and the large egg into the buttery mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined. This combination brings essential moisture and tang to the dough, making sure every bite carries that unmistakable citrus charm.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. At this stage, it’s best to mix by hand or use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so combine until just incorporated for the most tender results.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover your dough and refrigerate it for between 30 to 60 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and helping the cookies hold their shape during baking. Plus, the flavors meld beautifully during this resting period, intensifying that lovely lemon zing.
Step 5: Preheat Oven and Prepare Cookies
While the dough chills, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, roll the dough into balls and coat them in the extra sugar. This step creates a gorgeous sugary crust that adds a delightful texture contrast to the soft centers.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your sugar-coated dough balls on a lined baking sheet, leaving enough space for spreading. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, watching for just the right golden edges. The smell filling your kitchen at this point is pure bliss and often the best part of the baking process!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling on the sheet first helps them set up gently, preventing any breakage. Then, you’ll have irresistible, perfectly tender lemon sugar cookies ready to delight everyone.
How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your lemon sugar cookies by garnishing with a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or a light drizzle of lemon glaze. These little additions bring an extra pop of flavor and make your presentation feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chamomile tea, a creamy latte, or even a chilled glass of lemonade for an all-citrus love fest. The comforting beverages complement the cookies’ tangy-sweet profile perfectly, making snack time that much more enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange your lemon sugar cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh lemon wedges and sprigs of mint. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies with lemon or vanilla buttercream for a luscious treat that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your lemon sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Placing a slice of bread inside the container can help maintain moisture, keeping the cookies soft and tempting.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these beauties later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to three months and thaw quickly when needed.
Reheating
Warm your cookies in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for five minutes for that fresh-from-the-oven feel. This simple step revives the soft, chewy texture while enhancing their lemony aroma.
FAQs
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice and zest?
While lemon extract can substitute in a pinch, nothing compares to the bright, natural citrus flavor and aroma fresh lemon zest and juice provide. They give these cookies their signature brightness and freshness.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter? Can I use salted?
You can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies. Unsalted butter offers better control over the seasoning.
How thick should I make the dough balls before baking?
Rolling the dough into about 1-inch diameter balls works best for an ideal balance of soft center and crisp edges. If they’re too large, baking time and texture will be affected.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients to this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Adding poppy seeds, white chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of lavender can complement the lemon flavor beautifully and make your cookies uniquely yours.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but texture and flavor might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting about baking a batch of lemon sugar cookies—a simple pleasure that fills your home with sunshine and your heart with joy. I hope you give this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe a whirl and find as much happiness savoring them as I do sharing it. When you bite into these, you’ll know you made something truly special from scratch.
Print
Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Lemon Sugar Cookies are a bright and refreshing twist on classic sugar cookies, infused with fresh lemon zest and juice for a tangy, citrusy flavor. Crispy on the edges and soft in the center, they’re perfect for any occasion or a delightful afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
For Rolling
- ¼ cup sugar
Instructions
- Mix Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest: Beat the room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and freshly grated lemon zest together using an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for tender cookies.
- Add Lemon Juice and Egg: Pour in the fresh lemon juice and crack in the large egg, then mix thoroughly to evenly combine all wet ingredients, ensuring the dough has a consistent texture.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture, mixing gently by hand until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which could make the cookies tough.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap or cover the dough and refrigerate it for 30 to 60 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helps enhance the lemon flavor.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough Balls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Shape the chilled dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter and roll each ball generously in the ¼ cup of sugar to create a crisp, sweet crust when baked.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart, then bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents breaking and maintains their chewy texture.
Notes
- For more intense lemon flavor, add an additional teaspoon of lemon zest.
- Make sure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and to develop flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before baking if frozen raw dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
