If you’ve been searching for that perfect bright and chewy cookie to brighten your day, then this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with fresh lemon zest and a delightful tang from real lemon juice, each bite offers a tender bite with just the right balance of sweet and citrusy. These cookies are incredibly simple to make, yet so satisfying, they quickly become a go-to treat for any time of day. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself, this recipe promises an irresistible flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is a breeze, as the list includes only essentials that work together beautifully to create that perfect cookie texture and fresh lemon flavor. Every item serves a purpose—from the creamy butter that ensures softness, to the lemon zest and juice that deliver that sunny citrus punch.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Provides rich moisture and a tender crumb.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps cookies spread evenly.
- 3 tbsp lemon zest: Packs vibrant lemon flavor without extra juice.
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Adds that fresh tang which makes these cookies so special.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and chewiness.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps cookies rise lightly and become soft.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances lemon notes.
- ¼ cup sugar (for rolling): Creates a sparkling sugary crust for a fun texture contrast.
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest
Start by beating the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and all that fragrant lemon zest with a mixer for about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is where your cookies begin to build their character—the butter and sugar whip up light and fluffy while the lemon zest infuses the base with fresh, aromatic notes. The smell alone will have you excited for the next steps.
Step 2: Add Lemon Juice and Egg
Next, mix in the fresh lemon juice and the large egg until everything is combined smoothly. The lemon juice not only amplifies the citrus flavor but also adds moisture, ensuring your cookies are soft and tender. The egg enriches the dough, holding the ingredients together beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing gently by hand until the dough just comes together. This hands-on part helps maintain a tender texture. The baking soda gives just enough lift, while the salt balances the sweetness and makes the lemon pop even more.
Step 4: Refrigerate the Dough
Place your dough in the fridge to chill for 30 to 60 minutes. This chilling step is crucial—it firms up the dough so when you bake, the cookies hold their shape perfectly and develop a tender bite with crisp edges. Patience here truly pays off!
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop out dough balls and roll each generously in sugar. This coating not only adds a delightful crunch but also sparkles under the oven light, making your cookies look as good as they taste.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Arrange your sugared dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them comfortably apart. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden. Once out of the oven, let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly without breaking apart.
How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe presentation with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin drizzle of lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice. These simple touches elevate both the look and flavor, adding a subtle sweetness that compliments the citrus without overpowering it.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine when paired with a hot cup of tea—particularly green or herbal varieties—or a chilled glass of lemonade for a double dose of lemon love. For brunch gatherings, serve alongside fresh fruit or a mild cheese to balance their sweetness and zest.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by serving these cookies sandwich-style with a creamy lemon or vanilla buttercream in between. Or box them up with a little sprig of fresh mint or lavender tied with twine for a charming homemade gift that anyone would treasure. Presentation can make enjoying this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe feel even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your lemon sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, maintaining their soft texture and bright flavor. Perfect if you want to bake ahead for a week’s worth of treats!
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and follow the baking instructions. Baked cookies can also be frozen, just make sure to store them well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
To bring back the fresh-baked warmth of these cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This softens the cookies nicely, making them taste just like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
While lemon extract can add flavor, fresh lemon juice is preferred in this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe because it provides natural acidity and brightness that extract alone can’t replicate. You could use a teaspoon of extract, but don’t skip the fresh zest if possible.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough is key! Refrigerating for at least 30 minutes helps the dough firm up and reduces spreading in the oven. Also, make sure your butter isn’t too warm before creaming to keep the texture just right.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different, but the lemon flavor will still shine beautifully.
What’s the best way to zest lemons?
Use a microplane grater or a fine zester to remove just the yellow part of the lemon peel. Avoid the white pith beneath as it can be bitter. Freshly grated zest enhances the aroma and flavor of these cookies tremendously.
How chewy are these lemon sugar cookies?
This recipe yields tender cookies with a soft and slightly chewy center and gentle crisp edges—a texture that perfectly complements the bright lemon flavor. They’re not crunchy, but delightfully soft to the bite.
Final Thoughts
Making this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is like inviting a little sunshine into your kitchen—easy, bright, and wonderfully satisfying. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these cookies bring that perfect burst of fresh lemon flavor in every bite. So grab your ingredients and get ready to bake up some joy you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright, tangy flavor. Perfectly sweetened and rolled in sugar, they bake up crisp on the edges and tender in the center. Ideal for a refreshing treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
For Rolling
- ¼ cup sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter Mixture: Beat the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest together using a mixer for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps to dissolve the sugar and release the lemon oils for flavor.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the fresh lemon juice and the egg into the butter mixture, mixing well to achieve a smooth, homogenous batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into the bowl. Mix by hand gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and ensuring tender cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and place it in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. This resting time firms the dough, making it easier to shape and helping cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Preheat and Shape: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into small balls, then coat each ball evenly by rolling it in the ¼ cup of sugar prepared for this step.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a lined baking sheet spaced adequately apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes or until the edges are set and lightly golden.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents sogginess and gives the cookies their final crisp texture.
Notes
- For more intense lemon flavor, use freshly grated lemon zest instead of dried.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and to maintain the cookie shape.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and to avoid sticking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies can be frozen before baking; freeze dough balls on a tray and then store in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
