If you’re craving a cookie that’s bursting with bright citrus flavor while staying tender and delightfully sweet, this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Fresh lemon zest and juice give these cookies that irresistible zing, perfectly balanced by the buttery, soft texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a sunny afternoon treat or a festive gathering, these cookies bring a fresh, cheerful vibe that’s impossible to resist. Trust me, once you try this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to favorites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, familiar pantry staples that come together beautifully to create a cookie with amazing flavor and texture. Each one plays an essential role, from the tangy brightness of lemon to the soft, buttery crumb you expect in the perfect sugar cookie.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): Provides rich moisture and a tender crumb while allowing control over the saltiness.
- Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups): Sweetens the dough and helps create that classic sugar cookie texture with slight crisp edges.
- Lemon zest (3 Tbsp): Packs a fragrant, fresh citrus punch that defines the character of the cookie.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 Tbsp): Adds natural acidity and brightness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and contributes to the soft texture inside.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The sturdy base for structure and the classic buttery bite.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Gives a slight lift to keep your cookies from being too dense.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances the overall flavor by balancing sweetness and acidity.
- Sugar for rolling (¼ cup): Creates a sparkling sugary coating that adds a bit of crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest
Start by beating the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon zest together using an electric mixer. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, making your cookies light and giving the lemon zest enough time to release its fragrant citrus oils.
Step 2: Add Lemon Juice and Egg
Next, pour in the fresh lemon juice and crack in the egg. Beat again until everything is fully combined and smooth. This mixture forms the rich, slightly tangy base that will carry all your flavors perfectly.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt by hand with a spatula. Mixing gently here prevents overworking the dough, which keeps the cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to an hour. Chilling firms up the dough so it’s easier to handle and helps control spread during baking, resulting in thick, beautifully shaped cookies.
Step 5: Preheat and Roll
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Scoop the dough into balls using a cookie scoop or spoon, then roll each ball generously in the extra sugar. This simple coating adds texture and a lovely sugary sparkle to your finished cookies.
Step 6: Bake
Place the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on a silicone-lined baking sheet and bake for 11 to 13 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to develop a faint golden color while keeping the centers soft and tender.
Step 7: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully ensures that you get that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture every time.
How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest over the cookies just before serving to amplify the citrus aroma and add a pop of color. For an elegant touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar works beautifully as well.
Side Dishes
Pair these bright cookies with a warm cup of tea, a chilled glass of lemonade, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These combinations help highlight the zesty lemon flavor while creating a well-rounded café-style treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter lined with lemon leaves or edible flowers to elevate their charm for parties and gatherings. Alternatively, sandwich them with a dollop of lemon-infused cream cheese frosting for a delightful twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, ensuring every bite tastes just like the first.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. Frozen cookies maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months, perfect for prepping ahead for special occasions.
Reheating
To refresh frozen or stored cookies, warm them gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300ºF for 5 minutes. This method softens the cookies and revives their buttery flavor wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
Yes, lemon extract can be used, but fresh lemon juice adds natural acidity and brightness that are hard to replicate. If using extract, start with half the amount and adjust to taste.
Why do the cookies need to chill before baking?
Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, which helps control spreading as the cookies bake, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies with a better texture and flavor.
Can I substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
You can try a gluten-free, 1:1 baking flour blend, but keep in mind the texture might vary slightly. Adding a bit of xanthan gum can help mimic the original chewiness.
How can I make these cookies more tangy?
Increase the lemon zest by a tablespoon or add a bit more fresh lemon juice, but be cautious not to add too much liquid, as it can affect dough consistency.
Are these cookies crunchy or soft?
These Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe yields a soft, tender cookie with slightly crisp edges, just the way a classic sugar cookie should be, balancing bite and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cookie that’s refreshingly bright, tender, and simply delightful, this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and delivers big flavor every time. Give it a try and watch these cookies bring sunshine to your kitchen and smiles to everyone you share them with!
Print
Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Sugar Cookies are delightfully soft and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Perfectly blended with lemon zest and juice, these classic cookies are rolled in sugar before baking to create a slightly crisp and sweet exterior. Easy to prepare and ideal for sharing, they make a refreshing treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 3 Tbsp lemon zest
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
For Rolling
- ¼ cup (50g) sugar
Instructions
- Mix Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest: In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Lemon Juice and Egg: Incorporate the fresh lemon juice and large egg into the butter mixture, beating again until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Use a spatula to mix by hand until the dough comes together and is evenly combined.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30-60 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle and enhancing cookie texture.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare for Rolling: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Place ¼ cup sugar in a bowl to roll the cookies in later.
- Shape and Roll Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, form balls of dough. Roll each ball in the sugar until coated, then place them about 2 inches apart on a silicone-lined baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a faint golden color, indicating they are done but still soft inside.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before enjoying.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is fully softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Chilling the dough is important for preventing excessive spreading during baking.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright, citrus flavor.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add an additional teaspoon of lemon zest.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
