These Lemon Sugar Cookies are bright, zesty, and wonderfully soft. Bursting with fresh lemon flavor, these cookies are perfect for any time of year, bringing a touch of sunshine to your kitchen. The combination of a soft, buttery cookie with a refreshing lemon twist makes these a delightful treat for both kids and adults. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings, as an afternoon snack, or whenever you crave something sweet and citrusy.

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Instructions
3. Cook Notes & Tips
4. Recipe Variations
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6. Conclusion

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for rolling

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

• Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Roll Dough

• Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to coat.

Step 7: Bake

• Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.

Step 8: Cool

• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cook Notes & Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and egg are at room temperature for easier mixing and a more consistent cookie texture.
• Lemon Flavor: For extra lemony flavor, add an additional teaspoon of lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies may look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven, but they will continue to set as they cool. This helps keep them soft.

Recipe Variations

• Lemon Glaze: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies. Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the cookie dough for a delightful lemon-poppy seed twist.
• Citrus Sugar Cookies: Substitute half of the lemon zest with orange or lime zest for a mixed citrus flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling and baking.

Q: Can I freeze these cookies? A: Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: How do I keep the cookies soft? A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread to help keep them soft for longer.

These Lemon Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and full of bright, refreshing flavor. With their soft, chewy texture and a burst of lemony goodness, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or as a sweet finish to a meal, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of sunshine in every bite!