Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Sweet & Tangy Treat Recipe

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If you’ve ever wanted a cookie that perfectly balances bright citrus zing with sugary sweetness, you’re in for a treat with Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Sweet & Tangy Treat Recipe. These delightful cookies bring together the refreshing pop of real lemon zest and freshly squeezed juice with a buttery, tender bite that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something cheerful and comforting, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for an effortlessly elegant, homemade cookie that’s bursting with sunshine in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but carefully chosen to create cookies with just the right texture, intense flavor, and that irresistible golden hue. Each item plays its part—from the tart brightness of lemon zest and juice to the richness of butter, and the subtle lift provided by baking powder and baking soda.

• 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour: The foundation giving these cookies their perfect tender yet sturdy structure.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a gentle rise without puffing up too much, keeping cookies delightfully soft.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic lemon juice to enhance texture and flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the complexity of the lemon.
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened: Provides buttery richness and tenderness for the perfect cookie crumb.
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar: Sweetness that also helps with texture and that classic sugar cookie chew.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together with a bit of moisture and structure.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their signature tangy brightness.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest, finely grated: Intensifies the lemon flavor, ensuring every bite is bursting with citrusy freshness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, complementing the zesty notes beautifully.
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar: Used for coating the cookies, helping to create a sparkling sugar crust.
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest, finely grated: Mixed into the sugar coating to boost the aroma and tang on the outside of each cookie.

How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Sweet & Tangy Treat Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This mix ensures the baking agents and seasoning are evenly distributed, which is key to baking cookies with consistent texture and flavor.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because creaming incorporates air, which helps give the cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl’s sides to mix everything uniformly.

Step 3: Add Egg, Lemon Juice, Zest, and Vanilla

Beat in the egg first to bind the ingredients, then add freshly squeezed lemon juice, finely grated lemon zest, and vanilla extract. These wet additions bring flavorful moisture and brightness that define these cookies’ unique sweet and tangy profile.

Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients

Mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture slowly on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour. This careful folding helps keep the dough tender and soft once baked.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results. Chilling firms up the dough for easier handling and allows the flavors to meld deeply, enhancing the lemon’s fresh punch.

Step 6: Prepare Lemon Sugar Coating

Combine granulated sugar and lemon zest in a small bowl, then rub the zest into the sugar with your fingertips. This mix coats the cookies, adding a sparkling, tangy crunch on the exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie release and even baking.

Step 8: Roll and Cut Out Cookies

On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disc out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut fun shapes that add personality to your cookies, whether classic rounds or whimsical forms.

Step 9: Coat with Lemon Sugar

Dip each cookie in the lemon sugar coating, covering both sides thoroughly and pressing gently so the sugar sticks. Laying cookies on the sheets with space ensures they bake evenly and don’t stick together.

Step 10: Bake

Bake each batch for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them—they should remain soft but have just enough color to signal perfection.

Step 11: Cool

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to settle before transferring to a wire rack. This step prevents breaking and helps maintain their delightful texture.

Step 12: Repeat

Repeat the rolling, cutting, coating, and baking process with the remaining dough, so you’ll have a full batch of these irresistible treats ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Sweet & Tangy Treat Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle a tiny pinch of additional lemon zest or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. Fresh edible flowers or thin lemon slices on the side also make for a charming presentation that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a light cup of tea, a glass of cold milk, or even a refreshing summer lemonade to echo the citrus notes. For a more decadent twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet for a tantalizing dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform these cookies into delightful gifts by stacking them in a mason jar or decorative tin layered with parchment paper and tied with a bright yellow ribbon. For parties, arrange them on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh mint sprigs to make them irresistible conversation starters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep these lemon sugar cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly tender and flavorful for about 4 to 5 days, making them a convenient sweet treat to enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to make Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Sweet & Tangy Treat Recipe ahead of time, you can freeze the dough discs well wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. You can also freeze baked cookies in airtight containers to enjoy at your leisure, just thawing them at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To revive any cooled or frozen cookies, warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This quick heat-up refreshes their tender texture and melds the flavors beautifully without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I substitute lemon juice with lemon extract?

While lemon extract can add flavor, using freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for that fresh tang and moisture that define these cookies. Extract alone won’t replicate the bright acidity or texture as effectively.

What if I don’t have lemon zest? Can I skip it?

Skipping the zest means missing out on the vibrant citrus oils that elevate the cookie’s flavor. If you don’t have lemon zest, try using a bit more lemon juice, but the flavor won’t be quite as intense or aromatic.

How do I prevent these cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough well before baking is essential. The cold dough keeps the cookies from spreading too thin in the oven, ensuring they keep their shape and delicate texture.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, with a reliable gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you could experiment to make a gluten-free version, keeping in mind texture might vary slightly.

Can I make the dough ahead and bake fresh cookies on demand?

Absolutely! The dough freezes beautifully, so simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, roll out, cut, coat, and bake fresh cookies whenever you want a bright, homemade treat.

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t go wrong making this Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Sweet & Tangy Treat Recipe your new baking staple. The vibrant citrus flavor paired with a sugary crust and tender crumb is downright addictive, perfect for brightening any day or sharing with friends and family. So grab your ingredients and give these delightful cookies a try—you’ll be reaching for them again and again!

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