Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe | Soft & Chewy with a Zesty Twist
Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe: Soft, Chewy, and Perfectly Zesty
1. Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about a freshly baked cookie—especially when it’s soft, chewy, and bursting with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon. If you’ve never had the joy of biting into a lemon sugar cookie, you’re in for a treat. These cookies combine the classic sweetness of sugar cookies with the refreshing zing of lemon, creating the perfect balance of flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lemon sugar cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves citrusy desserts. They are easy to make, and you likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. What makes them truly special is how they’re both light and rich at the same time—soft and chewy with just the right amount of lemon zest and lemon juice. Plus, they’re customizable—you can add extra sugar on top for a little crunch or even drizzle them with a lemon glaze for an extra pop of flavor.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect lemon sugar cookies, including tips for achieving the best texture, customizing the recipe to your liking, and storing leftovers (if there are any!).
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a look at each ingredient that goes into these Lemon Sugar Cookies and how they contribute to the overall flavor and texture.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups):
Flour is the base for any cookie dough. Using all-purpose flour provides the right texture for these cookies, making them soft yet sturdy enough to hold their shape. Be sure to measure your flour correctly (by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off) to avoid dry cookies. - Baking Soda (1 tsp):
Baking soda helps the cookies rise and gives them that perfect soft texture. It also balances the acidity of the lemon juice. - Salt (½ tsp):
A small amount of salt enhances the overall flavor of the cookies and balances the sweetness of the sugar. - Butter (1 cup or 2 sticks, softened):
Butter adds richness to the dough and helps create that soft, chewy texture. Be sure the butter is softened (not melted) before you start creaming it with the sugar. - Granulated Sugar (1 ¼ cups):
Sugar provides sweetness and helps with the texture of the cookie. It’s also used to roll the cookie dough balls in before baking, adding a delightful crunchy exterior. - Eggs (1 large):
Eggs help bind the dough together and provide structure to the cookies. They also contribute to the cookie’s texture, making it soft and chewy. - Lemon Zest (1 tbsp):
The zest of a lemon gives the cookies their bright, citrusy flavor. It’s the key ingredient that adds a burst of freshness to each bite. Be sure to use a fine grater to avoid large chunks of zest in your dough. - Lemon Juice (2 tbsp):
Fresh lemon juice enhances the flavor of the zest and gives the cookies a tangy kick. The acidity in the juice also helps activate the baking soda. - Vanilla Extract (1 tsp):
Vanilla extract complements the lemon flavor and adds depth to the cookies’ taste. Don’t skip this—it makes a big difference in the flavor profile.
Substitutions and Dietary Preferences:
- Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and non-dairy milk to make the cookies dairy-free.
- Less Sugar: If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can reduce the sugar by ¼ cup and adjust the lemon zest and juice to taste.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Lemon Sugar Cookies is easy! Just follow these steps to create a batch of perfect cookies:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and set them aside. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside for later. - Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. - Add the Egg, Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice, and Vanilla Extract:
Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined. - Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overwork the dough, or the cookies may become tough. - Roll the Dough into Balls:
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. Then, roll the dough ball in granulated sugar to coat it lightly. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. - Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still be soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool. - Cool the Cookies:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Tips and Variations
- For Extra Chewy Cookies: Use brown sugar instead of white sugar to add moisture and make the cookies softer.
- Add a Lemon Glaze: If you’re a lemon lover, drizzle a simple lemon glaze (made with powdered sugar and lemon juice) over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Chill the Dough: For even thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Customize the Flavor: Add a handful of white chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a fun variation of lemon sugar cookies.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Serve these cookies with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for a delightful afternoon treat.
- For a Party: These cookies are perfect for bake sales, holiday gatherings, or a themed dinner party. You can even pair them with fruit salads or cream cheese frosting for a more indulgent dessert experience.
Pairing Drinks:
- For a refreshing pairing, enjoy the cookies with a lemonade or Iced Tea.
- For a cozy, comforting option, pair with a hot tea like chamomile or green tea.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- In the Fridge: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- In the Freezer: These cookies freeze really well! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- Microwave: Reheat cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, warm cookie.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C), place the cookies on a baking sheet, and warm them for 5-7 minutes.
7. Recipe Notes
- Can Be Prepped Ahead of Time: Marinate the dough in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight for a thicker texture.
- Best With Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop makes it easier to portion the dough evenly.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Carbs | 21g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Sodium | 55mg |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Calcium | 5mg |
| Iron | 0.3mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets.
- Mix the dry ingredients and set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Roll dough into balls, coat with sugar, and place on baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
Notes: Refrigerate dough for thicker cookies.
10. Health Benefits
- Lemons: Rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
- Butter: Provides healthy fats that are essential for energy and nutrient absorption.
11. Suggested Sauce
For extra flavor, try drizzling a simple lemon glaze or cream cheese frosting over the cooled cookies.
12. Avoid These Mistakes
- Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until everything is incorporated.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Letting the dough rest helps the flavors to develop and the texture to set.
- Baking on a Hot Pan: Make sure your baking sheets are cool to prevent spreading.
13. FAQs
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. - Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice and zest provide a stronger, fresher flavor. Bottled juice can be used, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor. - Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before baking for up to 3 months. Just bake them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. - How do I get my cookies extra chewy?
Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for added moisture and chewiness. - Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks would complement the lemon flavor beautifully. - Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
14. Final Thoughts
These Lemon Sugar Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and chewy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something light and refreshing, these cookies will hit the spot. They’re easy to make, and I’m sure you’ll love the burst of citrusy flavor in every bite. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below! Happy baking!
