Easy, Zesty Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Sweet and zesty lemon sugar cookies bring sunshine to your kitchen with their bright, irresistible flavor.

Crisp edges and soft centers promise a delightful bite every time.

Crafted with simple ingredients, these treats celebrate citrusy goodness in every crumbly morsel.

Butter and sugar blend into a smooth canvas for vibrant lemon zest.

Baking these cookies fills your home with an incredible aroma that beckons everyone to the kitchen.

Powdered sugar sprinkled on top adds a delicate finishing touch that makes these cookies look as magical as they taste.

You won’t be able to resist reaching for seconds of these lemony delights.

Why Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe Is A Refreshing Classic

• Burst with Citrusy Flavor: These lemon sugar cookies deliver a vibrant, zesty punch that transforms an ordinary cookie into a bright, refreshing treat perfect for any mood.
• Super Simple to Master: Beginners and seasoned bakers can easily create these cookies with basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, making them a foolproof dessert option.
• Quick Kitchen Adventure: Prepare and bake these cookies in under 30 minutes, offering a speedy solution for sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests wanting a delightful homemade snack.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile enough for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual afternoon tea, these cookies appeal to all ages with their sweet-tangy balance and inviting aroma.

Ingredients For Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Flour: A key dry ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the cookie dough and adds delicious flavor.
• White Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp cookie texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookie dough.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Adds bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic notes to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic background flavor to complement the lemon.

• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, tender texture.

• Sugar (for rolling): Adds extra sweetness and creates a sparkling, crisp exterior on the cookies.

Step-By-Step Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven toasty at 375F (190C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for super easy cleanup.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder

Set this magical dry mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Create Butter Cloud

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter and white sugar until the mixture looks like a fluffy cloud. Keep mixing until it’s smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Awaken Flavor Explosions

• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice

Blend everything until it’s perfectly combined and smells amazing.

Step 5: Merge Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until a soft, pillowy dough forms.

Step 6: Roll and Coat

Create small dough balls and roll each one in extra sugar. This gives your cookies a sparkly, sweet exterior.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges turn a beautiful golden color. Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before devouring.

Expert Tips For Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Zest Up Your Baking: Add extra lemon zest for a more intense citrus flavor that brightens the entire cookie.
• Soften Butter Perfectly: Leave butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, creamy consistency.
• Prevent Spreading: Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling to help cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Sugar Coating Trick: Use fine sugar for a more even, delicate exterior that creates a beautiful sparkly finish on the cookies.
• Store with Care: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, tender texture.

Delicious Variations For Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Zesty Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use egg replacer or mashed banana, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.
• Orange Citrus Cookies: Swap lemon zest and juice with orange zest and juice for a different citrusy flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or reduce sugar content, and add Greek yogurt for moisture and texture.

Perfect Pairings To Serve With Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Sip Citrus Tea: Pair these zesty lemon sugar cookies with a bright, aromatic Earl Grey tea that complements the lemony notes and enhances the cookie's delicate sweetness.
• Create a Refreshing Combo: Serve alongside a chilled lavender lemonade that echoes the lemon flavor while providing a cool, crisp contrast to the buttery cookie texture.
• Match with Creamy Delight: Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lemon curd, which adds a luxurious, smooth element that balances the cookie's light crunch.
• Indulge with Sweet Wine: Select a late harvest Riesling or Moscato, whose sweet and slightly acidic profile beautifully harmonizes with the cookie's citrusy undertones.

Storage Advice For Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Store cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Seal cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve texture.
• Remove frozen cookies and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy or tough cookies.
• Warm cookies briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore their crisp edges and soft center. Place directly on a baking sheet for best results.

FAQs On Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor and brightness. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but it might taste slightly less vibrant and can alter the cookie’s natural zesty profile.

• How do I get the most lemon flavor in these cookies?

Zesting the lemon before juicing provides intense citrus oils and flavor. Use fresh lemons and incorporate both zest and juice for maximum lemony taste.

• Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?

This usually happens if butter is too soft or room temperature. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.

Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 23-25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet, zesty lemon sugar cookies deliver a bright, tangy twist on classic comfort. Crisp edges and delicate crumb promise a delightful treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups (330 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) white sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar (for rolling)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Flavor Enhancers:

• Zest of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 375F (190C) and arrange parchment paper on cookie sheets for hassle-free cleanup.
2. Sift together flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a separate bowl, setting it aside for later use.
3. Using an electric mixer, blend softened butter and white sugar until achieving a light, airy consistency with no lumps.
4. Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, fresh lemon zest, and lemon juice into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough integration.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until a cohesive, soft dough develops.
6. Form small, uniform spheres from the dough, then delicately roll each one in additional sugar for a sparkling exterior.
7. Arrange sugar-coated dough balls on prepared cookie sheets, maintaining slight spacing between each cookie.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as an indicator of perfect doneness.
9. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature before serving or storing.

Notes

• Softening butter at room temperature ensures smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
• Use fresh lemon zest for maximum citrusy flavor and bright, aromatic notes.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense cookies; mix just until ingredients combine.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain cookie’s delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 152 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 93 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg