Easy Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Lemon sugar cookies are the perfect treat for those who love a balance of sweetness and citrusy tang. These cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, making them a delightful snack or dessert. The addition of lemon zest in both the dough and the sugar coating gives these cookies an extra zing, making them irresistible. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, so you can whip up a batch whenever you’re craving something sweet and refreshing. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Zest from 3 lemons (divided: zest from 2 lemons + zest from 1 lemon)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a larger mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes and is essential for creating a soft and airy cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Mix in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and egg until well combined. The lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cookie.
- Incorporate the Lemon Zest:
- Stir in the lemon zest from 2 lemons, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step infuses the cookies with a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing after each addition until the dough is fully combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Prepare the Lemon Sugar Coating:
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup of sugar with the zest from the third lemon. This lemon-infused sugar will add an extra burst of flavor to the cookies.
- Form the Cookies:
- Using a cookie scoop, form the dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in the lemon sugar mixture to coat them evenly. Place the dough balls on the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes, or until the tops no longer look wet and cracks begin to form. Be careful not to over-bake, as this will help maintain a soft, chewy texture.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Once cooled, these lemon sugar cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
Additional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-11 minutes
- Total Time: 25-26 minutes
- Calories: 120 kcal per cookie
- Servings: 24 cookies
Tips for Perfect Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and to achieve the best texture.
- Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest is key to achieving a bright, citrusy flavor. Make sure to zest the lemons before juicing them.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh for up to a week.
These Easy Lemon Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Their sweet, tangy flavor and soft, chewy texture make them a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face. Happy baking!
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Easy Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 25-26 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
Description
These Lemon Zest Sugar Cookies are a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for any citrus lover. The soft, chewy texture of these cookies combined with the bright, refreshing taste of fresh lemon zest makes them a standout treat. Each bite is a balance of sweetness from the sugar and the zesty kick from the lemons, making these cookies not only delicious but also incredibly refreshing.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp lemon juice
Zest from 3 lemons (divided: zest from 2 lemons + zest from 1 lemon)
½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and egg to the butter mixture, and mix until well combined.
Stir in the lemon zest from 2 lemons, mixing until just incorporated.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing after each addition until the dough is fully combined.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup of sugar with the zest from the third lemon.
Using a cookie scoop, form the dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball in the lemon sugar mixture and place them on the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the cookies for 10-11 minutes, or until the tops no longer look wet and cracks begin to form. Avoid over-baking for a soft texture.
Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-11 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 120