When you’re in the mood for something sweet, there’s nothing quite like the bright and refreshing flavor of lemon sugar cookies. These delightful treats are soft, buttery, and bursting with citrus goodness. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to bring a smile to your face. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them at a gathering, these lemon sugar cookies are the perfect way to brighten your day.
Top Reasons to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Bright Flavor: The combination of lemon zest and lemon juice creates a refreshing burst of flavor that livens up the classic sugar cookie.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time!
- Perfect Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy, with a slight crisp on the edges, making them incredibly satisfying.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for any occasion, from casual snacks to elegant dessert platters.
- Great for Sharing: Who doesn’t love a homemade gift? These cookies are perfect for gifting to friends and family.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup (226g) butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (297g) granulated sugar
- 1 large (50g) egg
- 2 1/4 cups (270g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon (2g) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (1g) kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon (5g) vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons (24g) lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons (28g) lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 1/4 cup (56g) lemon sugar (for rolling cookies)
Appliances & Accessories
- Mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer will simplify the process of creaming butter and sugar.
- Baking Sheet: A flat, sturdy baking sheet is essential for even baking.
- Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking success.
- Cooling Rack: Allow cookies to cool properly for the best texture.
Stepwise Method: Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of softened butter with 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Flavors
Add in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 4 tablespoons of lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Beat until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Roll each ball in lemon sugar (1/4 cup) to coat.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 9: Cooling Time
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Smart Substitutions
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative.
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Swap the granulated sugar for coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
- If you don’t have lemon juice, you can use lime juice for a different citrus twist.
Behind the Recipe
The inspiration behind this lemon sugar cookies recipe comes from the desire to create a cookie that encapsulates the essence of summer with a zesty lemon touch. The balance of sweetness from the sugar and the tartness from the lemons makes these cookies a refreshing treat. The addition of lemon zest enhances the flavor, making each bite a delightful experience. These cookies have become a staple in many households, perfect for bringing a dash of sunshine to any day.
Storage & Reheat Guide
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: To enjoy soft cookies again, microwave them for 10-15 seconds.
Reader Q&A
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted in this recipe?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of kosher salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.
What can I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it may be due to the dough being too warm. Ensure you chill the dough adequately before baking, and consider adding a bit more flour next time.
Can I add frosting to these cookies?
Absolutely! A simple lemon glaze or cream cheese frosting would complement these cookies beautifully.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and still soft in the center when you take them out. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Weekend Projects
- Coconut Macaroon Recipe
- Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
That’s a Wrap
With their delightful flavor and soft texture, these lemon sugar cookies are a must-try for any baking enthusiast. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share them with friends and family—they’ll be asking for the recipe in no time!
Baking can be a joyful and therapeutic experience, and this lemon sugar cookies recipe will certainly add a burst of brightness to your baking repertoire. Enjoy every bite, and happy baking!
