Why You’ll Love Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
These cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring simple pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients. They have a light, tender texture with a crisp edge and a delightful lemon aroma that’s irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday tray, a potluck, or just a cozy treat at home, these lemon sugar cookies are guaranteed to please.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
All-purpose flour
-
Baking soda
-
Baking powder
-
Salt
-
Unsalted butter
-
Granulated sugar
-
Egg
-
Vanilla extract
-
Lemon zest
-
Fresh lemon juice
-
Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
-
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
-
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
-
Roll each ball in granulated sugar, then place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
-
Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked.
-
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 24 cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
-
Lemon glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled cookies for added sweetness and tang.
-
Add poppy seeds: Mix in a tablespoon of poppy seeds for a lemon-poppy twist.
-
Use Meyer lemons: For a sweeter citrus flavor, substitute regular lemons with Meyer lemons.
-
Make sandwich cookies: Spread lemon curd or cream cheese frosting between two cookies.
-
Add white chocolate chips: Stir in half a cup of white chocolate chips for a sweet, creamy complement to the lemon flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To freeze, place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To reheat, let cookies thaw at room temperature or warm them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to restore a just-baked texture.
FAQs
How do I make sure my lemon sugar cookies stay soft?
Don’t overbake them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s pure lemon juice, not from concentrate.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
If your butter was too soft or the dough was too warm, cookies may spread. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
What type of sugar should I use for rolling?
Use regular granulated sugar. For a sparkling finish, you can also try sanding sugar.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Simply double each ingredient and mix in a large bowl, or make two separate batches.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane or fine grater. Only zest the bright yellow part, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Can I add food coloring?
Yes, a drop or two of yellow food coloring can enhance the visual appeal, but it’s completely optional.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Not always, but chilling for 30 minutes can help control spreading and improve flavor.
Conclusion
These lemon sugar cookies are a refreshing take on a classic favorite, offering a soft texture and vibrant citrus flavor in every bite. Perfect for spring, summer, or whenever you need a little sunshine in cookie form, they’re simple to make and even easier to love. Whether you keep them plain or dress them up with glaze or filling, this is a go-to recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
