Lemon Sugar Cookies: 1 Simple & Sweet Recipe You’ll Love

Welcome to your new favorite recipe for Lemon Sugar Cookies: 1 Simple & Sweet Recipe You’ll Love! These delightful treats are perfectly tangy, wonderfully sweet, and surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fresh lemon and baked goodness.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe promises a batch of soft, chewy cookies that everyone will adore. Let’s dive into making some amazing Read our in-depth guide here.

Introduction to Irresistible Lemon Sugar Cookies

There’s nothing quite like the bright, refreshing taste of lemon, especially when it’s baked into a tender, sweet cookie. Our lemon sugar cookies are designed to deliver that perfect balance of zest and sweetness. They’re ideal for any occasion, from a casual snack to a special dessert.

These cookies are not just delicious; they’re also a joy to bake. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean success is practically guaranteed. Prepare for compliments!

Why This Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is Your New Favorite

This isn’t just another cookie recipe; it’s *the* recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Our method produces cookies that are soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. The secret lies in using both lemon zest and fresh lemon juice.

Plus, the optional lemon glaze takes these cookies to an entirely new level of deliciousness. You’ll quickly discover why these sweet lemon cookies are a crowd-pleaser.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Lemon Sugar Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Lemon Sugar Cookies. Quality ingredients make a noticeable difference in the final taste and texture.

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar, plus more for rolling
1 large egg
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1-2 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Lemon Sugar Cookies

Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked lemon sugar cookies every time. You’ll be enjoying these soft lemon cookies in no time!

Preparation: Zesting, Juicing, and Mixing Wet Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Combining Dry Ingredients and Forming the Cookie Dough

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Place about ¼ cup of granulated sugar in a shallow bowl for rolling.
Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar until fully coated.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Do not overbake.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Lemon Glaze for Extra Zest

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze (if desired). In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth.
Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies. Let the glaze set before stacking.

Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Sugar Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality Read our in-depth guide here. is easier than you think with these expert tips. Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for a smooth, well-combined dough.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tougher cookies. Mix until just combined.
Fresh Lemon: Use fresh lemons for both zest and juice; bottled juice won’t provide the same vibrant flavor.
Chill the Dough: If your dough is too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes to an hour. This also helps prevent spreading.
Customize Your Zest: For an even stronger lemon flavor, add a little extra zest to the dough!

Serving Suggestions and Storage

These lemon sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with tea or coffee. They make a fantastic addition to any dessert platter or cookie exchange.

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving or glazing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Sugar Cookies

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While you can, fresh lemon juice and zest provide a far superior, brighter flavor. We highly recommend fresh for the best tasting lemon sugar cookies.

My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?

This can happen if your butter was too soft, your oven wasn’t preheated enough, or the dough was too warm. Try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help prevent spreading.

How can I make these cookies chewier?

For a chewier texture, you can slightly underbake them (remove from oven when edges are just set, centers still look a little soft) and let them cool completely on the baking sheet to firm up.