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Why Make This Recipe

Lemon sugar cookies are a delightful treat that brings a burst of fresh flavor to your day. They are soft, sweet, and have just the right amount of tang from the lemon. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or just a snack at home, these cookies will surely brighten your mood. Their easy preparation makes them a favorite for bakers of all skill levels!

How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
½ teaspoon Salt
1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar (plus extra for rolling)
2 tablespoons Lemon Zest
2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
1 large Egg
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and lemon zest together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the egg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix well.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them in sugar, and place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft.
Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack.
Enjoy them warm or store for later!

How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies

Lemon sugar cookies can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. They are great for sharing at gatherings or can be neatly packaged as a sweet gift. For an extra special treat, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving!

How to Store Lemon Sugar Cookies

To keep your lemon sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can stay fresh for up to three months.

Tips to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies

Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
When scooping the cookie dough, use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
Experiment with the amount of lemon zest for a stronger or milder lemon flavor.
If you like a thicker cookie, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.

Variation

If you want to mix things up, try adding white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough. You can also substitute lime zest and juice for a different citrus flavor.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.
What can I substitute for fresh lemon juice?
You can use bottled lemon juice if fresh lemon juice is not available, but fresh juice usually provides a better flavor.
How can I tell when the cookies are ready?
The cookies are done when the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Lemon Sugar Cookies

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Author: harper-elise
Total Time: 26 minutes
Yield: 24 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft and sweet lemon sugar cookies with a burst of fresh flavor, perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and lemon zest together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the egg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix well.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them in sugar, and place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft.
Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack.