If you love bright citrus flavors and soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, these lemon sugar cookies are about to become your new favorite. They’re perfectly sweet with a refreshing lemon twist—ideal for spring, summer, or anytime you want something light and delicious.
Ingredients for Lemon Sugar Cookies
This recipe (1X) yields 24 cookies
- Dry Ingredients
- 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For Rolling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key for achieving soft, tender cookies.
Step 3: Add wet ingredients
Mix in the egg, then add the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and fragrant.
Step 4: Combine mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 5: Chill the dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor.
Step 6: Shape and roll
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, then coat them lightly in sugar.
Step 7: Bake
Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.
Step 8: Cool and serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor—bottled juice won’t give the same brightness.
- Don’t overbake; the cookies should stay soft in the center.
- For extra lemon flavor, add a light lemon glaze on top after baking.
Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe’s FAQ
Yes, but fresh lemon juice and zest give the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but the cookies won’t have the same bright, natural citrus taste.
This usually happens if the dough is too warm or the butter is too soft. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also add a slice of bread in the container to help maintain their softness.