The Zesty Magic of Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

Soft, buttery lemon sugar cookies dance with zesty brightness on your taste buds.

Sweet citrus notes promise a delightful afternoon treat.

Sunshine-infused baking fills kitchens with cheerful aromas.

Bakers adore these simple yet impressive cookies that blend classic comfort with bright, tangy excitement.

Crisp edges and tender centers create perfect texture contrasts.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean anyone can master this delectable recipe.

You’ll fall in love with every delicate, lemony bite.

Why Lemon Sugar Cookies Are A Sweet Delight

• Burst with Citrusy Delight: These cookies pack a zesty punch that transforms ordinary sugar cookies into a bright, refreshing treat perfect for any moment.
• Beginner Baker's Dream: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for cooks of all skill levels, ensuring success with minimal baking experience.
• Family Gathering Favorite: Soft, sweet, and tangy cookies that appeal to both kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing dessert for potlucks, celebrations, or casual get-togethers.
• Quick Comfort Baking: Minimal prep time and easy mixing technique mean you can have delicious homemade cookies ready in less than an hour, satisfying sudden sweet cravings.

Ingredients For Lemon Sugar Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a soft, tender texture for the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's structure.
• Flour: Forms the base of the cookie and provides structure.

• Vanilla Extract, Lemon Extract: Add depth and bright citrus notes to the cookie.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Intensify the citrus flavor and add a fresh, tangy dimension.

• Baking Powder, Salt: Help the cookies rise and balance the sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for coating the cookies, creating a sweet, delicate finish.

How To Make Lemon Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, transform butter and sugar into a cloud-like, fluffy mixture. Use an electric mixer to create a dreamy, creamy texture.

Step 3: Bring in the Moisture

Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition. Splash in vanilla and lemon extracts for a burst of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Elements

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Gently incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until everything is harmoniously blended.

Step 5: Zest It Up

Fold in fresh lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice. This is where the magic happens – bright, citrusy notes will make these cookies sing.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into adorable little balls, each about the size of a ping pong ball. Give them a luxurious coating by rolling in powdered sugar.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Place cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass to give them a gentle press, creating a slight flattened shape.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges look set but the centers remain soft and inviting.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. Get ready to bite into lemony heaven!

Pro Tips For Lemon Sugar Cookies

• Zest fresh lemons for maximum flavor intensity and bright citrusy notes in your cookies.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
• Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother, more consistent cookie texture.
• Avoid overbaking by watching for golden edges and soft centers during the last few minutes of baking.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version of these delightful cookies.

Creative Variations For Lemon Sugar Cookies

• Lavender Lemon Cookies: Infuse the dough with dried lavender flowers for a fragrant, floral version that adds elegant sophistication to the classic recipe.
• Orange Zest Variation: Replace lemon zest and juice with fresh orange zest and juice, creating a bright citrusy alternative with a different flavor profile.
• Almond Lemon Cookies: Mix in ground almonds or almond extract to give the cookies a nutty undertone and rich, complex texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free blend of rice flour and almond flour, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy these cookies.

Perfect Pairings For Lemon Sugar Cookies

• Pair with Herbal Tea: Brew a delicate chamomile or lavender tea that complements the bright, zesty lemon flavor of the cookies, creating a soothing and refreshing combination.
• Match with Cream Cheese Frosting: Whip up a light cream cheese frosting with a hint of lemon zest to drizzle or spread on top of the cookies, enhancing their citrusy profile and adding creamy richness.
• Serve with Lemon Sorbet: Offer a scoop of tangy lemon sorbet alongside the cookies for a cool, palate-cleansing dessert experience that intensifies the lemony notes.
• Accompany with Sparkling Prosecco: Pour a chilled glass of light, bubbly Prosecco that cuts through the sweetness of the cookies and highlights their bright, citrusy undertones.

Storage Instructions For Lemon Sugar Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them in the coolest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze flat for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container with a tight lid at room temperature for 2-3 days. Avoid humid areas to prevent softening.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore slight crispness and enhance flavor.

FAQs About Lemon Sugar Cookies

• What gives these cookies their lemony flavor?

Fresh lemon zest and lemon extract provide a bright, citrusy taste that makes these cookies zesty and refreshing.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking, or freeze the dough balls for up to 2 months.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for set edges and slightly soft centers. They should be lightly golden around the edges but not brown, which indicates they’re done.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

No special equipment is needed – just basic mixing bowls, a baking sheet, and a standard oven will work perfectly for these simple cookies.

Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful lemon sugar cookies bring zesty sunshine to classic baked treats with their perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet comfort. Crisp edges, tender centers, and bright lemon glaze create an irresistible cookie you’ll crave with afternoon tea or as a cheerful dessert.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon

Finishing and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie baking.
2. Using an electric mixer, blend butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base.
3. Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition, then gently stir in vanilla and lemon extracts to infuse delicate flavors.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt through a gentle whisking motion to eliminate potential lumps.
5. Gradually merge dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a uniform dough forms without overmixing.
6. Introduce freshly grated lemon zest and juice, folding gently to distribute citrus notes evenly throughout the dough.
7. Shape the dough into small spheres approximately 1-inch in diameter, then generously coat each ball with powdered sugar for a delicate exterior.
8. Arrange cookie balls on prepared baking sheets, using the bottom of a glass to create a gentle flattened surface.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for set edges while maintaining soft, tender centers.
10. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes to stabilize, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture.

Notes

• Swap butter for plant-based alternatives to create vegan-friendly cookies that maintain the same delightful texture and zesty flavor.
• Adjust lemon extract quantity based on personal preference, allowing more or less intensity depending on your citrus love.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and ensure perfectly shaped, crisp-edged cookies with soft centers.
• Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and fresh for several days, maintaining their delectable moisture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 156
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 82 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 22 mg