Description
Classic lemon sugar cookies blend zesty citrus with sweet simplicity. Crisp edges and tender centers invite bakers to savor each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Position oven rack centrally and warm to 350F (175C), then line baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
- Dry Ingredient Blend: Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until perfectly combined and lump-free.
- Butter Mixture: Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the texture becomes pale, fluffy, and substantially increased in volume.
- Flavor Integration: Fold egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon extract into butter mixture, blending until smooth and homogeneous.
- Dough Formation: Gently incorporate dry ingredients into wet components, stirring minimally to prevent gluten development and maintain tender texture.
- Chill and Prepare: Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to intensify flavors and facilitate easier shaping, then roll into uniform 1-inch spheres.
- Sugar Coating: Generously roll each dough ball in granulated sugar, ensuring a crisp, sparkling exterior that caramelizes during baking.
- 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.
- 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