Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is the perfect delightful treat for any occasion! These cookies burst with a zesty lemon flavor and a soft, chewy texture, making them an irresistible choice for gatherings, gifts, or simply a sweet snack at home. They’re easy to prepare and require only simple ingredients, making them ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros!

Table of Contents

Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

  • Perfect for Any Occasion. These cookies are ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or just a simple afternoon snack. Their bright, refreshing taste makes them a crowd-pleaser!
  • Easy to Make. Made with simple ingredients you likely already have at home, this cookie recipe comes together quickly and effortlessly!
  • Zesty Lemon Flavor. The addition of fresh lemon zest and juice gives these cookies a vibrant flavor that is sure to brighten your day.

Ingredients for Lemon Sugar Cookies

  • Butter: Softened and room temperature to ensure creamy mixing.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and creates a delicate texture.
  • Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together for a soft cookie consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the lemon.
  • Lemon Zest: Provides a bright, zesty flavor that elevates the cookie.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for the most vibrant taste.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and create a light texture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base for the cookies that gives structure and chew.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice; mix until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.
  6. Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making Lemon Sugar Cookies

  • Use Fresh Lemon: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice won’t provide the same vibrant taste.
  • Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they should be lightly golden around the edges and soft in the center.
  • Chill the Dough: If your dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape.

Make-Ahead Instructions

  • You can prepare the cookie dough in advance. Once mixed, form the dough into balls, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Store frozen cookies in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
  • To bake, simply transfer baking sheet from the freezer to the oven and add a few minutes to the baking time.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to stay fresher longer, consider refrigerating them.

Freezing Lemon Sugar Cookies

  • Freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months.
  • For frozen dough balls, store them in individual portions for easy baking. Just be sure to thaw slightly before placing them on the baking sheet, or bake them directly from frozen with a slight adjustment to the cooking time.

Reheating Lemon Sugar Cookies

  • To reheat cookies, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through.
  • Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate, but this may result in a softer cookie.

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Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe


Author:Amy Parker
Total Time:25 minutes
🍴Yield:24 cookies

Bright, zesty lemon cookies with a soft, chewy texture—perfect for gatherings, gifts, or a simple sweet snack at home.


Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation

1 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2 In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3 Add in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice; mix until well combined.
4 In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5 Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.
6 Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
7 Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • ℹ️ Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best bright, citrusy flavor.
  • ℹ️ Do not overbake; cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and soft in the center.
  • ℹ️ If dough is too sticky, chill for about 30 minutes to help with scooping and shaping.

Recipe Details

Preparation
15 minutes
🔥
Cooking
10-12 minutes
📂
Category
Dessert
📋
Method
Baking
🏁
Kitchen
Vegetarian

Nutrition

🍽️
Serving Size
2 cookies
🔥
Calories
140
🍬
Sugar
12g
🧂
Sodium
60mg
🥄
Fat
7g
🧈
Saturated Fat
4g
⚖️
Trans Fat
0g
🍞
Carbohydrates
20g
🌿
Fiber
0g
💪
Protein
2g
❤️
Cholesterol
20mg

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