Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Lemon sugar cookies are a bright and delightful treat with a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus zing. These soft, chewy cookies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion when you want a refreshing twist on a classic sugar cookie.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and lemon extracts until well combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Step 5: Fold in the lemon zest and lemon juice gently to distribute the citrus flavor evenly throughout the dough.
6. Step 6: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly.
7. Step 7: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass.
8. Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
9. Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add additional lemon zest to the dough.
• Try rolling the dough balls in colored sugar for a festive look.
• If you prefer a stronger lemon taste, consider substituting lemon extract for lime or orange extract for a citrus twist.
• Make these cookies gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage

Store the lemon sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them soft, you can place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture. Reheat gently in a microwave for a few seconds if you prefer a warm cookie.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar for coating?

Powdered sugar gives the cookies a delicate, sweet coating and slightly soft texture. Using granulated sugar will result in a crunchier surface and less coating adherence.

What if I don’t have lemon extract?

If you don’t have lemon extract, you can increase the lemon zest and juice slightly to boost the lemon flavor naturally, or substitute with vanilla extract alone for a milder, buttery cookie.

Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 84 reviews

These Lemon Sugar Cookies are delightfully soft and bursting with bright lemon flavor, perfect for a refreshing treat. Made with a blend of lemon zest and juice, they are rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet, slightly crisp coating. Quick to prepare and bake, these cookies offer a perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet buttery goodness.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon

Coating

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
3. Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate fully, then stir in the vanilla and lemon extracts to add depth of flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring an even mix for proper leavening and seasoning.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
6. Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Fold in the fresh lemon zest and juice gently to infuse the dough with bright citrus notes.
7. Shape and Coat Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar to create a sweet, slightly crisp exterior.
8. Arrange and Flatten: Place the dough balls on prepared baking sheets spaced apart, then slightly flatten each with the bottom of a glass to help them bake evenly.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cookie edges are set but the centers remain soft, signaling a chewy texture.
10. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• For an extra lemony flavor, add additional lemon zest to the dough.
• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.

Keywords: lemon sugar cookies, lemon cookies, soft lemon cookies, baked lemon cookies, citrus cookies, cookie recipe