Introduction
Lemon Sugar Cookies are a refreshing twist on a classic favorite, offering a balance of sweetness and citrus that feels light yet comforting. I often reach for this recipe when I want a cookie that feels cheerful and not overly rich. The lemon adds a clean, vibrant flavor that lifts the buttery dough and keeps each bite from feeling heavy. These cookies are soft in the center with lightly crisp edges, making them especially appealing for both casual snacking and special occasions. What I enjoy most is how approachable they are. The ingredients are simple, the method is straightforward, and the results are consistently reliable. Whether baked for a gathering, a holiday tray, or a quiet afternoon treat, Lemon Sugar Cookies bring brightness and familiarity together in a way that never fails to please.
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Lemon Sugar Cookies: Bright, Soft, and Perfectly Balanced
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy lemon sugar cookies with a bright citrus flavor and lightly crisp edges, perfect for dessert or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls.
- Roll each ball in granulated sugar.
- Place on baking sheets, spacing cookies apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and tops are slightly cracked.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes if cookies spread too much.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are soft, lightly chewy, and infused with fresh lemon flavor. They are easy to prepare, bake evenly, and appeal to a wide range of tastes. The citrus keeps them feeling fresh rather than overly sweet.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Flour provides structure and ensures the cookies hold their shape while remaining tender.
Butter
Butter adds richness and creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Sugar
Sugar sweetens the dough and helps create lightly crisp edges.
Eggs
Eggs bind the dough and contribute to softness and structure.
Lemon zest
Lemon zest delivers concentrated citrus flavor and aroma.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Baking powder
Baking powder gives the cookies gentle lift and a soft crumb.
Salt
Salt enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla rounds out the lemon flavor and adds warmth.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and mix until fully incorporated, then stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Scoop or roll the dough into evenly sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers remain soft. Allow the cookies to cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment needed
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking time is 10 to 12 minutes per batch.
Storage/reheating
Store Lemon Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They can also be frozen for up to two months. Allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations and Customizations
These cookies are easy to adapt. You can roll the dough in sugar before baking for extra sparkle and texture. For a stronger citrus note, add a small amount of lemon extract alongside the zest.
A light lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice can be drizzled over cooled cookies for added sweetness. You can also substitute orange or lime zest for a different citrus profile while keeping the same base recipe.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
These cookies are a classic sweet treat best enjoyed in moderation. They provide quick energy and are suitable for most diets unless specific ingredient substitutions are required.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use fresh lemons
Fresh zest and juice provide the best flavor.
Do not overbake
Remove the cookies while the centers are still soft.
Chill if needed
If the dough is very soft, brief chilling helps with shaping.
Zest carefully
Avoid the bitter white pith under the peel.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Are these cookies very sweet?
They are balanced, with lemon keeping the sweetness in check.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze dough balls and bake from frozen with extra time.
Why are my cookies flat?
Butter that is too warm can cause spreading.
Can I add glaze?
Yes, a lemon glaze pairs very well.
Do I need food coloring?
No, the natural color is sufficient.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh juice is recommended for best flavor.
Are these cookies soft or crisp?
They are soft with lightly crisp edges.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it doubles well.
What occasions suit these cookies?
They are perfect for spring gatherings, holidays, and everyday treats.
Conclusion
Lemon Sugar Cookies are a simple yet delightful bake that brings freshness and comfort together. With their soft texture and bright citrus flavor, they offer a refreshing alternative to richer cookies. Easy to prepare and consistently satisfying, they are a recipe worth returning to again and again.
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