If you’re craving a cookie that perfectly balances bright citrus zing with classic sweetness, then this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is absolutely a must-try. These cookies are tender, lightly crisp on the edges, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor thanks to the zest and juice woven into every bite. Whether you’re baking for a sunny afternoon treat, a festive gathering, or just because you deserve a little citrusy delight, this recipe is simple, rewarding, and will quickly become one of your favorites to bake and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you—each one plays a starring role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma of these lemon sugar cookies. From the creamy butter to the fresh lemon zest, every element is essential for that bright, classic cookie experience.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup: Room temperature for easy creaming, adding rich, buttery flavor and moist texture.
- Granulated sugar, 1 ½ cups: Sweetness and a tender crumb come from this fundamental ingredient.
- Lemon zest, 3 tbsp: The secret weapon that infuses the cookies with refreshing citrus brightness.
- Fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp: Adds a burst of natural lemon flavor and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Large egg, 1: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- All-purpose flour, 3 cups: Provides the structure necessary for tender yet durable cookies.
- Baking soda, 1 tsp: Helps the cookies rise just enough to create a delicate texture.
- Salt, ¼ tsp: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Sugar for rolling, ¼ cup: Creates a delightful crispy sugar coating on each cookie.
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest
Start by beating the room-temperature butter with granulated sugar and lemon zest until light and fluffy, usually about 1 to 2 minutes. This step incorporates air into the dough to give your cookies a delightful lift while the zest releases fragrant oils that promise that unmistakable lemon aroma.
Step 2: Mix in Lemon Juice and Egg
Next, add the fresh lemon juice and the egg to the creamed mixture. The lemon juice deepens the citrus flavor and adds moisture, while the egg helps everything bind together seamlessly, creating a luscious cookie dough that’s ready for dry ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Incorporate
Gradually sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing by hand. Be patient here—overmixing can toughen the cookies. Aim for just combined dough that feels soft but manageable.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the dough for 30 to 60 minutes. This resting time lets the flour hydrate fully and the flavors meld, plus chilling makes the dough easier to handle when shaping the cookies.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, roll the dough into balls and gently coat each in the sugar reserved for rolling. This sugary coating adds a subtle crunch and sparkle on top of each cookie once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the sugared dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until the edges just begin to turn golden but the centers remain soft, ensuring a tender bite.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This rest time lets them set up perfectly without losing their delightful chewy texture inside.
How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fine powdered sugar or a light drizzle of lemon glaze adds an elegant touch that enhances both appearance and flavor. If you’re feeling playful, a small candied lemon slice on top of each cookie brings a charming citrus garnish that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
Lemon sugar cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea—think Earl Grey or chamomile—or a refreshing glass of lemonade for a double dose of citrus delight. For a more indulgent pairing, try them alongside creamy vanilla ice cream for a bright, balanced dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your lemon sugar cookies in a layered glass jar with lemon slices and sprigs of mint for a stunning gift presentation. You can also sandwich two cookies with lemon curd or cream cheese frosting in between for an irresistible twist that’s perfect for parties or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your lemon sugar cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Placing a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain their softness by gently absorbing excess moisture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the dough balls before baking by placing them on a baking sheet and storing in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready, simply bake from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth, warm your cookies in a low oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and intensifies the lemony aroma—a quick treat anytime.
FAQs
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
While lemon extract can add flavor, fresh lemon juice offers a brighter, more natural tang that’s essential to this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe. If you must use extract, combine it with lemon zest for best results.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough thoroughly before baking is key. The cold dough holds its shape better, so the cookies stay thick and tender instead of spreading too thin.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with texture and binding.
What is the best way to get a crisp edge but soft center?
Baking at 350°F and watching the cookies carefully so they’re just golden at the edges (11-13 minutes) will ensure the perfect balance of crispness and chewy softness.
Can I add other flavors to this recipe?
Absolutely! A touch of vanilla extract or poppy seeds pairs beautifully with lemon. Just add them when mixing the wet ingredients for a subtle but delightful twist.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe a try—the fresh zest and juice create a cookie that’s bursting with sunshine in every bite. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging in a moment of sweet joy alone, these cookies bring a little extra happiness to your day. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s bake some lemony magic!
Print
Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Sugar Cookies are soft, zesty, and perfectly sweet, combining fresh lemon juice and zest with a classic sugar cookie base. They offer a delightful citrus flavor with a tender crumb and a slightly crisp sugar-coated exterior, perfect for any occasion or a sunny treat.
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
Coating
- ¼ cup sugar (for rolling dough balls)
Instructions
- Mix butter, sugar, and lemon zest: Using a mixer, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest together for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps to incorporate air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add lemon juice and egg: Pour in fresh lemon juice and crack the egg into the mixture, then mix well to combine all wet ingredients thoroughly ensuring a bright lemon flavor throughout the dough.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix by hand gently until the dough just comes together, avoiding overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Refrigerate dough: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. This firms the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the flavors to meld.
- Preheat oven and prepare dough balls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into small balls and then coat them evenly in the extra ¼ cup of sugar, which gives the cookies a sweet, crisp outer layer.
- Bake the cookies: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set further, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring a perfect texture and preventing sogginess.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should be soft in the center when removed from the oven.
- Chilling the dough is critical for handling and to prevent cookies from spreading too much.
- Roll the dough balls generously in sugar for a sparkling, sweet crust.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
