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
Scale
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
