There is something truly magical about a bright and zesty lemon cookie that instantly lifts your spirits, and this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly that special treat you have been searching for. Bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice, these cookies deliver a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors wrapped in a soft, buttery texture. Whether you’re craving a sunny afternoon snack or a charming dessert for guests, these lemon sugar cookies are wonderfully simple but packed with personality, making them an absolute must-bake in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe plays an essential role in constructing that perfect bite—whether it’s the velvety richness of butter, the bright burst of lemon zest, or the delicate crispiness that sugar rolling creates. Here’s what you’ll bring together for these irresistible cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps cookies tender and moist.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that classic sugar cookie texture.
- 3 tablespoons lemon zest: Packs a fragrant citrus punch that elevates every bite.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds freshness and a subtle tartness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds a bit of lift.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the sturdy but tender structure of each cookie.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise ever so slightly for a soft but not cakey texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- ¼ cup sugar for rolling: Gives the cookie edges a sparkling crunch after baking.
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest
Start your journey by beating together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and fragrant lemon zest in a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to blend these ingredients for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to creating that soft texture and infusing the cookie dough with vibrant lemon flavor.
Step 2: Add Lemon Juice and Egg
Next, pour in the fresh lemon juice and crack the egg into the bowl. Beat again until everything is well combined. The egg acts as a glue to hold your cookie dough together while the lemon juice refreshes the batter and boosts the citrus essence.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet lemon mixture, stirring by hand with a spatula. This careful mixing ensures you don’t overwork the dough, which keeps your cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover your dough with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. Chilling is crucial—it firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Prepare and Bake Cookies
When the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Pour the ¼ cup of sugar into a small bowl for rolling the cookies. Use a cookie scoop to form dough balls, roll each one generously in the sugar, and place them about 2 inches apart on a silicone-lined baking sheet. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, watching for the edges to turn a soft, golden hue.
Step 6: Cool Your Lemon Sugar Cookies
Once out of the oven, let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up perfectly without losing their tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a visual and flavor boost, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of extra lemon zest or a delicate dusting of powdered sugar on top just before serving. A thin drizzle of lemon glaze can also add a glossy finish and an extra layer of sweetness that friends won’t be able to resist.
Side Dishes
Lemon Sugar Cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks and light sides. Try serving them alongside a cup of hot tea, an iced lemonade, or a creamy latte. If you want to build a dessert platter, some fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream bring freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cookies into a charming party favor by stacking a few in a clear cellophane bag tied with a lemon-yellow ribbon. You could also sandwich lemon curd or cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an irresistible twist—making your Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe the star of any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lemon sugar cookies stay fresh and chewy when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keep them away from direct sunlight to preserve their lovely texture and lemony brightness.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray, freezing until solid, and then transferring to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, there is no need to thaw—simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy cookies fresh and warm, reheat them for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave or in a low oven (300ºF) for a few minutes. This revives their softness and boosts the aromatic lemon notes.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice gives the brightest, freshest flavor for this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to choose one without added sugar or preservatives for the best taste.
What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?
That’s totally fine! You can shape the dough into balls using two spoons or your hands. Aim for uniform sizes so all cookies bake evenly and look consistent.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ideally one designed for baking. Just be mindful that texture might vary slightly, but the lemon flavor will remain dazzling.
How do I get the cookies soft and chewy?
Chilling the dough before baking and avoiding overbaking are the two crucial tips for soft, chewy cookies. Keep an eye on the baking time—edges should be lightly golden, but centers still look slightly soft.
Can I add frosting or icing to these cookies?
Absolutely! A light lemon glaze or a simple powdered sugar icing complements the zesty flavor wonderfully. Just be sure to let the cookies cool fully before decorating to prevent melting.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so uplifting about baking something that bursts with sunshine like this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe. With its perfect blend of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness, these cookies are sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a batch—you’ll be smiling by the very first bite!
Print
Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Sugar Cookies are delightfully soft and chewy with a bright citrus flavor from fresh lemon zest and juice. Perfectly coated in sugar for a sweet, crunchy exterior, they make a refreshing treat ideal for any occasion. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, these cookies balance buttery richness with a zesty lemon twist.
Ingredients
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 for rolling cookies
Instructions
- Mix Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon zest for about 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add Lemon Juice and Egg: Incorporate the fresh lemon juice and egg into the creamed mixture, beating again until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into the bowl, mixing by hand with a spatula to combine everything into a dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30-60 minutes to firm up and enhance flavors.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Place ¼ cup sugar in a small bowl for rolling the cookie dough balls.
- Form and Roll Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough into balls, then roll each ball in the sugar to coat the exterior thoroughly.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on a silicone-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes or until the cookie edges are just turning a faint golden color.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For stronger lemon flavor, increase lemon zest to 4 tablespoons.
- Make sure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Use fresh lemons for the best citrus flavor.
- You can store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
