Name: Lemon sugar cookies that will brighten your day!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Introduction to Lemon Sugar Cookies

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked lemon sugar cookies wafting through the house. It’s like a warm hug on a busy day! These delightful treats are not just cookies; they’re little bites of sunshine that can brighten any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick solution to satisfy a sweet tooth or a charming dessert to impress your loved ones, this recipe is perfect. With just a handful of ingredients and a little love, you can whip up a batch of lemon sugar cookies that will have everyone smiling.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Sugar Cookies

These lemon sugar cookies are a dream come true for busy moms and professionals alike. They come together in just 25 minutes, making them a quick and easy treat. The bright, zesty flavor is refreshing and uplifting, perfect for any occasion. Plus, they’re soft, chewy, and simply irresistible! You’ll love how they bring a burst of sunshine to your dessert table without taking up your precious time.

Ingredients for Lemon Sugar Cookies

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your delightful lemon sugar cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cookies, providing structure and texture.
Baking soda: This helps your cookies rise, giving them that perfect soft and chewy texture.
Baking powder: A little extra lift to ensure your cookies are light and fluffy.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and flavor, making your cookies melt in your mouth.
White sugar: This sweetens the cookies and helps them achieve that lovely golden color.
Egg: Acts as a binder, holding everything together while adding moisture.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making each bite more delicious.
Lemon juice: This is where the magic happens! It adds that refreshing citrus zing.
Lemon zest: The zest brings an intense lemon flavor, elevating your cookies to a whole new level.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

For those who want to experiment, consider adding a lemon glaze for extra sweetness or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. If you’re out of lemon juice, you can substitute it with a splash of orange juice for a different twist. Remember, the exact measurements are at the bottom of the article, ready for you to print and keep handy!

How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making those delightful lemon sugar cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly. If you skip this step, your cookies might spread too much or not rise properly. Trust me, a well-preheated oven is the secret to cookie perfection!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed. This step is important because it evenly distributes the leavening agents, ensuring your lemon sugar cookies rise beautifully. Set this bowl aside for now; we’ll come back to it shortly!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The creaming process is vital because it incorporates air into the butter, giving your cookies that light, tender texture we all love. Don’t rush this step; it’s worth the wait!

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest to your creamed butter and sugar. Beat everything together until it’s well combined. The lemon juice and zest will infuse your cookies with that refreshing citrus flavor. Just imagine the aroma already!

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches to avoid a flour explosion! Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. You want a soft dough that’s slightly sticky but holds its shape.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Using a rounded teaspoon, drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. If you want perfectly round cookies, you can roll the dough into balls before placing them on the sheet. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Pop your cookie sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown, but the centers still look a bit soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This cooling time allows them to set properly. Store your lemon sugar cookies in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. But let’s be honest, they probably won’t last that long!

Tips for Success

Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and a smoother dough.
Don’t skip the lemon zest; it intensifies the flavor of your cookies.
For a chewier texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Experiment with different citrus zests for a unique twist.
Always check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time.

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: A large bowl for wet ingredients and a small one for dry. Any size will do!
Whisk: Perfect for mixing dry ingredients. A fork works in a pinch!
Cookie sheets: Use ungreased sheets or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accuracy. If you don’t have them, use a regular cup!
Wire racks: Great for cooling cookies. A plate can work too!

Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious gluten-free option.
Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter.
Herbal Twist: Add a teaspoon of fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough for a unique herbal flavor.
Chocolate Chip Lemon Cookies: Fold in some white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast to the tart lemon.
Blueberry Lemon Cookies: Mix in fresh or dried blueberries for a fruity burst in every bite.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your lemon sugar cookies with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade for a delightful afternoon treat.
Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert combo.
For a lovely presentation, dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with a lemon glaze.

FAQs about Lemon Sugar Cookies

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter! Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors. Your lemon sugar cookies will still turn out delicious!

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store your lemon sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking.

What can I do if my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better in the oven.

Can I add other flavors to the lemon sugar cookies?

Final Thoughts

Making lemon sugar cookies is more than just baking; it’s about creating moments of joy in your busy life. The bright, zesty flavor brings a smile to my face, and I hope it does the same for you. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to brighten your day. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe means you can whip them up anytime you need a little sunshine in your kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves and let the baking magic begin!