Lemon Sugar Cookies
Lemon sugar cookies are a burst of sunshine in every bite!
This cookie recipe is soft, chewy, and packed with that irresistible balance of sweetness and tang that makes them so special.
If you’ve been craving something bright and refreshing to bake this recipe delivers that perfect pop of citrus flavor your whole family will love.
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How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Start by whisking together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in the egg, vanilla, lemon zest, and juice. Fresh lemon zest and juice give the cookies the best flavor.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Then chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. Don’t skip this step! Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps achieve that chewy texture.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, coat them in sugar, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool before serving for soft, chewy centers and a bright lemon flavor in every bite.
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw slightly before rolling and baking.
Flat cookies usually mean the dough wasn’t chilled long enough, or the butter was too soft when mixing.
Absolutely! A simple lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice adds an extra burst of citrus flavor and a pretty finish.
Fix baking fails fast with this handy troubleshooting guide.
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HONGBAKE Baking Sheet Pan Set of 3, Cookie Sheets for Oven, Nonstick Half/Quarter/Jelly Roll Pans with Diamond Texture Pattern, 0.8mm Thick Heavy Duty Cookie Tray, Champagne Gold
CUNSENR Cooling Rack for Baking and Cooking – 10
KitchenAid Citrus Juice Press Squeezer for Lemons and Limes with Seed Catcher and Pour Spout, Lemon, 8 Inch
If you love the bright, zesty flavor of lemon, be sure to check out these other delicious ideas that pair perfectly with your lemon sugar cookies recipe!
- From creamy pies to tangy bars, these lemon dessert recipes are bursting with sunshine and perfect for any occasion.
- These buttery lemon thumbprint cookies filled with smooth lemon curd are a sweet and tangy twist you’ll want to bake again and again.
- Learn the best tips and tricks for keeping your cookies fresh for days after baking.
Lemon sugar cookies recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 ½ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line 2 large cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla, lemon zest and juice; beat until combined.
- Add in remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Roll lemon sugar cookie dough into small balls.
- Bake lemon sugar cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until cookies have set.
- Remove lemon sugar cookies and let cool 2-3 minutes before removing from the baking sheet and onto the cooling rack.
These sound so yummy! Can’t wait to try them.