Zingy Sweet Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe for Baking Joy

Warm afternoons call for a delightful sweet lemon sugar cookies recipe that promises to brighten your day with zesty sunshine.

These golden treats burst with tangy citrus notes and a delicate, crumbly texture.

Soft and tender, each cookie delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and bright lemon flavor.

The simple ingredients dance together, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Butter, sugar, and lemon zest combine to form a delectable canvas of pure comfort.

Bakers of all skill levels can master these cookies with ease.

Your kitchen will soon fill with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the cookie plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 24

Lemon Sugar Cookies Ingredient Rundown

• All-Purpose Flour: Foundation of the cookie, provides structure and texture for soft, tender treats.
• Baking Soda: Creates light, airy texture and helps cookies rise with a gentle lift.
• Baking Powder: Ensures even rising and contributes to the cookie's delicate crumb.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Butter: Delivers rich, creamy flavor and contributes to the cookie's luxurious mouthfeel.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden, crisp exterior with a soft interior.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides moisture and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cookie's flavor profile.

• Lemon Zest: Infuses bright, zesty notes and adds aromatic citrus essence.
• Lemon Juice: Introduces tangy freshness and helps activate baking soda.
• Lemon Extract: Optional intense citrus punch for those who love strong lemon flavor.
• Granulated Sugar (for rolling): Creates a sparkling, crisp exterior and adds extra sweetness.

Tools to Shape, Chill, and Bake These Zesty Cookies

• Baking sheet: essential for even cookie baking and heat distribution.
• Parchment paper: prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Large mixing bowl: perfect for creaming butter and sugar.
• Medium mixing bowl: ideal for combining dry ingredients.
• Whisk: ensures smooth and lump-free dry ingredient mixing.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: helps create light, fluffy butter and sugar mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Zester or grater: needed to extract fresh lemon zest.
• Wire cooling rack: allows cookies to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Spatula: useful for scraping bowl and transferring cookies.

How to Bake Lemon Sugar Cookies With a Tangy Twist

• Warm Up the Kitchen

Kickstart your oven to a cozy 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating the perfect baking environment.

• Blend Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl, creating a smooth dry mixture that will give your cookies perfect texture.

• Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat butter and sugar together until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud of deliciousness, mixing for about two minutes.

• Add Zesty Flavors

Introduce egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and optional lemon extract, blending until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

• Combine Mixtures

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together without overworking the dough.

• Chill and Prep

Let the dough relax in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, which helps create a more manageable texture for shaping.

• Shape and Coat

Roll dough into small balls and give them a luxurious sugar bath, ensuring each cookie is beautifully coated.

• Bake to Perfection

Place cookies on the prepared sheet, giving them room to spread, and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.

• Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack, savoring the fresh lemony aroma as they cool.

Mix-Ins and Frosting Ideas for a Citrus Upgrade

• Zesty Lemon Baking Hacks: Elevate these delightful cookies with pro tips and creative twists.
• Fresh Citrus Boost: Add extra lemon zest for more intense flavor, or experiment with orange or lime zest for a different citrus profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Vegan Transformation: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) to create a plant-based version of these cookies.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough in advance and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before baking for convenient fresh-baked treats anytime.

Serve With Tea, Gifts, or a Smile

• Zesty Dessert Pairing: Serve these lemon sugar cookies alongside a chilled glass of lavender lemonade for a refreshing summer treat that complements the cookie's bright citrus flavor.
• Sweet Tea Companion: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of earl grey or chamomile tea, letting the delicate lemon notes dance perfectly with the subtle tea flavors.
• Creamy Contrast: Top each cookie with a small dollop of lemon curd or cream cheese frosting to enhance the lemony profile and add a luxurious texture contrast.
• Dessert Platter Charm: Arrange these cookies on a beautiful platter with fresh berries and mint leaves for an elegant and Instagram-worthy presentation that elevates their simple, delightful character.

Store Lemon Sugar Cookies to Keep Them Soft

• Quick Counter Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, lasting up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freezer-Friendly Trick: Layer cookies between wax paper in a sealed freezer container. These tasty treats will remain delicious for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough balls in advance and refrigerate up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, freeze raw dough balls for spontaneous baking sessions within 2 months.
• Gift-Ready Packaging: Stack cooled cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon. Include a small card with storage instructions. Perfect for homemade gifts that stay fresh and delightful.

Sweet Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Classic lemon sugar cookies blend zesty citrus with sweet simplicity. Crisp edges and tender centers invite bakers to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ¾ cups (345 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp lemon extract (optional, for extra lemon flavor)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Position oven rack centrally and warm to 350F (175C), then line baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
2. Dry Ingredient Blend: Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until perfectly combined and lump-free.
3. Butter Mixture: Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the texture becomes pale, fluffy, and substantially increased in volume.
4. Flavor Integration: Fold egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract into butter mixture, blending until smooth and homogeneous.
5. Dough Formation: Gently incorporate dry ingredients into wet components, stirring minimally to prevent gluten development and maintain tender texture.
6. Chill and Prepare: Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to intensify flavors and facilitate easier shaping, then roll into uniform 1-inch spheres.
7. Sugar Coating: Generously roll each dough ball in granulated sugar, ensuring a crisp, sparkling exterior that caramelizes during baking.
8. Baking Process: Arrange sugar-coated cookies on prepared sheet, spacing 2 inches apart, and bake 8-10 minutes until edges turn delicately golden while centers remain soft.
9. Cooling and Serving: Rest cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize, transfer to wire rack, and enjoy warm or store in airtight container for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerate for exactly 30 minutes to develop rich lemon flavor and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Handle Zesting Carefully: Use only the bright yellow outer layer of lemon peel, avoiding bitter white pith for pure, clean citrus notes.
• Prevent Overmixing: Fold dry ingredients gently into wet mixture, stopping just when the dough comes together to maintain tender cookie texture.
• Sugar Coating Technique: Roll cookie balls generously in granulated sugar before baking to create a delightful crisp exterior and sparkling finish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg