Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet. Each bite bursts with fresh lemon zest and a hint of citrusy brightness that makes these cookies stand out from your typical sugar cookie. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or prepping cookies for a special occasion, this recipe always delivers that delightful homemade taste that everyone asks for.

When I first tried this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients came together to create something so deliciously tender and chewy. You’ll find that these cookies are not only easy to make, but they also hold up well for gifting or sharing at parties. Plus, the little tip about chilling the dough really helps you get that perfect thick, soft texture every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe plays an important role in creating that tender crumb and refreshing lemon flavor. Using fresh lemon zest and juice really makes a big difference, so don’t skip on those. Also, opting for room temperature butter ensures your dough blends smoothly for the best texture.

• Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing and even incorporation of sugar.
• Granulated sugar: Provides that classic sweet base and helps with a slight crisp on the outside.
• Lemon zest: I always zest lemons fresh; frozen or bottled zest just won’t compare in flavor.
• Fresh lemon juice: It adds the perfect tangy balance to all that sweetness.
• Large egg: Acts as a binder and contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
• All-purpose flour: Gives structure — make sure to measure it correctly by spooning into the cup and leveling it off.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough without spreading too much.
• Salt: Balances out sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor.
• Sugar for rolling: Rolling cookie dough balls in sugar adds a charming sparkle and subtle crunch.

Variations

I love mixing things up a bit depending on the season or my mood, and this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is a great base for customization. Feel free to get creative with add-ins or adjustments to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add-Ins: Sometimes I fold in a handful of white chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for extra texture and flavor—trust me, it’s a game-changer!
• Gluten-Free Option: I’ve had success swapping all-purpose flour with King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure flour without losing that chewy texture.
• Zest Swaps: If you want to try something new, a bit of orange zest instead of lemon can give a lovely twist.
• Frosting Topping: For a festive look, add a simple lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice once cookies are cooled.

How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugar & Lemon Zest

Start by beating together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon zest using an electric mixer. I usually do this for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture looks light and fluffy—that’s when you know it’s well-aerated and ready to give those cookies a soft texture. This step really unlocks that beautiful, bright lemon aroma.

Step 2: Add Lemon Juice and Egg

Next, pour in the fresh lemon juice and crack in the egg, then beat again until everything is fully combined. This is the moment when the dough starts to come together beautifully, offering that perfect balance of citrus and richness.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt—mixing by hand with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here; you want a soft, smooth dough but don’t want to develop the gluten too much or the cookies could get tough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, up to an hour. I discovered this trick when I was struggling with cookies that spread too thin—cooling the dough makes them thicker, chewier, and easier to handle. If you’re short on time, even a quick 15-minute chill makes a noticeable difference!

Step 5: Scoop, Roll in Sugar, and Bake

Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Use a cookie scoop to form dough balls, then roll each ball in sugar for a sparkly, slightly crunchy exterior. Place them about 2 inches apart on a silicone-lined baking sheet and bake for 11-13 minutes until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep an eye on them near the end! Overbaking makes the cookies dry, and underbaking can leave them doughy.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time helps them finish setting up and makes handling easier. Then, all that’s left is to enjoy the bright, soft, and sweet bite you worked so hard to create!

How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with these cookies — just a light dusting of powdered sugar or extra granulated sugar before baking really makes them look special. For a little extra flair, fresh edible flowers or a thin drizzle of lemon glaze can turn these into a party-worthy treat.

Side Dishes

Pairing these with a hot cup of tea or a tangy iced lemonade is my favorite way to enjoy them. They also work wonderfully alongside fresh berries or yogurt parfaits if you’re serving breakfast or brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bridal shower or spring party, I’ve arranged Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe on a tiered tray surrounded by fresh lemon slices and mint leaves—it’s both beautiful and inviting. Wrapping cookies individually in parchment and tying them with a yellow ribbon also makes for a charming homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment paper to prevent sticking. They usually stay fresh and soft for up to 4-5 days, though they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

For freezing, I like to freeze the dough balls before baking—simply scoop, roll in sugar, and freeze on a lined baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can bake fresh cookies whenever a craving hits without compromising taste or texture.

Reheating

If you want a “fresh-baked” feel, warm the cookies up for about 5-7 seconds in the microwave or pop them in a low oven (around 300ºF) for 3-5 minutes. This brings back that soft, chewy texture I love so much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe a try soon—it’s quickly become one of my go-to treats whenever I want something bright, fresh, and homemade. The simplicity combined with that unforgettable lemon flavor always wins over my family and friends. So grab those lemons, get baking, and enjoy every bite of these sweet little sunny cookies!

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