Bright, zesty, and wonderfully soft, these Lemon Sugar Cookies are truly sunshine in a bite. Every tender cookie bursts with citrus flavor thanks to fresh lemon juice and zest, while a coating of sparkling sugar adds an irresistible crunch. Whether you’re craving a pick-me-up treat or want to dazzle guests with homemade cookies that are equal parts simple and sensational, this recipe is about to become your new go-to. Give them one bite, and you’ll see why Lemon Sugar Cookies have a way of disappearing almost instantly from the cookie jar!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Lemon Sugar Cookies is in their simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to play a starring role—whether it’s creating a soft, chewy texture or infusing every bite with bright, fresh flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch that everyone will ask for again and again:
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure and just the right amount of softness.
- Baking soda: Provides a little lift so the cookies stay light and fluffy.
- Baking powder: Helps cookies rise, balancing out the dense richness of butter.
- Salt: Enhances the lemon and sugar, making every flavor pop.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and creates that perfect, tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling): Gives the cookies sweetness and a sparkling finish once rolled in extra sugar.
- Large egg: Binds the dough together and keeps it soft.
- Fresh lemon juice: Infuses the dough with real citrus zing that’s unmistakable.
- Lemon zest: Packs a punch of natural lemon oil for that pure, bright taste.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth that keeps the lemon flavor beautifully balanced.
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Before you even think about mixing dough, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and ensures those gorgeous golden bottoms.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents so every Lemon Sugar Cookie bakes up with the same tender bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat your softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This process traps air, giving your cookies a light texture while making sure every crumb is sweetly buttery.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Crack in the egg, then pour in the fresh lemon juice, sprinkle in the zest, and splash in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is perfectly blended and you’re already catching that incredible citrus aroma.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—you want every Lemon Sugar Cookie to be ultra soft and not tough.
Step 6: Form and Roll the Dough Balls
Scoop out rounded tablespoonfuls of dough, roll them into smooth balls, then roll each one in a shallow dish of extra granulated sugar. This not only makes them sparkle but adds a sweet crunch.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Arrange the coated dough balls on your lined sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are just turning golden and the centers look set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before moving to a rack—this helps them firm up just right.
How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
Take your Lemon Sugar Cookies to the next level by adding a drizzle of lemon glaze or a gentle dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. Even a few curls of extra lemon zest over the plate can make them pop at a party or brunch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a fresh fruit salad, a bowl of Greek yogurt, or even a cup of herbal tea. Citrus desserts like this blend well into dessert platters alongside berries and light mousses.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Lemon Sugar Cookies into gift bags or boxes tied with a ribbon, arrange them in concentric circles on a pretty serving platter, or layer them between parchment rounds in a decorative tin. For parties, consider making miniature, bite-sized versions and serving them on tiered dessert stands.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Lemon Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay deliciously soft for up to five days, making it easy to sneak a treat (or two) any time you pass by the kitchen.
Freezing
These cookies freeze like a dream! Simply bake, cool completely, and layer with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when the mood for a Lemon Sugar Cookie strikes.
Reheating
If you like a warm, fresh-from-the-oven feel, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The edges get that lovely crispness again, and the citrus aroma fills the air, just like day one.
FAQs
Can I substitute bottled lemon juice for fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the brightest, most natural citrus flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled juice will work. Just be aware that the zingy, fragrant notes may be a bit more muted.
Can I make Lemon Sugar Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that substitutes cup-for-cup. The cookies may be a touch more delicate, but the flavor remains spot-on.
How can I amp up the lemon flavor?
For an even more intense citrus punch, add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough, or double the lemon zest. You can also finish the cookies with a tart lemon glaze for extra zing.
Do Lemon Sugar Cookies spread much during baking?
They spread moderately, thanks to the ratios of butter and sugar. To ensure perfectly shaped cookies, make sure your dough balls are well chilled if your kitchen is particularly warm.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and chill it tightly wrapped in plastic for up to 48 hours before baking. This can actually deepen the flavor and give you freshly baked cookies in a flash.
Final Thoughts
I have a feeling you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, whenever you crave a simple homemade treat that’s bursting with sunny flavor. Give these Lemon Sugar Cookies a try, and don’t be surprised if you start sharing them with friends, family, and anyone who could use a little more zest in their day!
Print
Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and chewy Lemon Sugar Cookies are bursting with bright citrus flavor. A perfect balance of sweet and tangy, these delightful treats are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The zesty lemon zest and juice add a refreshing twist to classic sugar cookies.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Combine and form dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a dough forms.
- Roll and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough, roll into balls, coat each ball in extra sugar, place on baking sheets, and bake for 9–11 minutes until golden.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add ½ teaspoon lemon extract.
- These cookies freeze well and stay soft for several days in an airtight container.
- You can drizzle with a simple lemon glaze for a sweeter finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
