Lemon Sugar Cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 24 cookies

Equipment:
Mixing bowl
baking sheet
parchment paper
whisk
measuring cups
measuring spoons

Cuisine Type: American

These Lemon Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness with a rejuvenating citrus twist. The bright flavor of fresh lemon zest and juice infuses the cookies with a vibrant taste that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or serving them at a gathering, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Their soft, chewy texture combined with a light dusting of sugar on top makes for an irresistibly good dessert.

Baking these cookies is simple and quick, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers. The recipe requires basic ingredients that you likely already have at home, and once baked, these cookies can be stored for several days in an airtight container.

Feel free to experiment by adding a drizzle of lemon glaze or incorporating poppy seeds for an extra touch of flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and guarantee even baking.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is key to achieving a tender cookie texture.
Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until everything is fully combined. The zesty aroma will fill your kitchen, enhancing the anticipation of these delicious cookies.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Using a tablespoon, scoop out dough and roll it into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top of each cookie before baking.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Extra Tips:

If you want to elevate the flavor even further, consider adding a pinch of lemon extract to the dough for a more intense lemon flavor. You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty twist.

Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh, and if you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the dough balls before baking for a quick treat any time!