These Lemon Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat! Soft and sweet, with a hint of tangy lemon, they brighten up any day. Plus, they’re super easy to make!
Whenever I bake these cookies, my home smells amazing and my friends can’t get enough. Perfect with a cup of tea or just for snackin’! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose Flour: The backbone of any cookie, it provides structure. If you’re looking to go gluten-free, you can try almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just keep in mind the texture might vary a bit.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for better control over salt levels. In a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil, but this might alter the flavor slightly.
Lemon Zest & Juice: Fresh lemon zest and juice are crucial for that vibrant lemon flavor. If lemons aren’t available, you can use bottled lemon juice, but the zest is best fresh. You can also experiment with lime for a twist!
Granulated Sugar: This is used both in the dough and for rolling. For a different taste, consider using a mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar. It adds a hint of caramel flavor!
How Can You Ensure Your Cookies Don’t Spread Too Much?
To keep your lemon sugar cookies from spreading too much during baking, there are a couple of techniques you can follow:
- Chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes. This firms up the butter, helping the cookies hold their shape.
- Avoid overmixing the dough, especially after adding the dry ingredients. This keeps your cookies tender.
- Use a scoop to measure uniform dough balls and keep them spaced properly on the baking sheet (about 2 inches apart).
These are simple steps that can greatly improve the final look and texture of your cookies! Enjoy baking your delicious lemon treats!
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 1-2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful lemon sugar cookies recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, plan for around 30-40 minutes in total to enjoy these sweet treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Once combined, set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 ½ cups of sugar together using a mixer. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. It’s that fluffiness that makes your cookies nice and soft!
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, add in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. This is where all that lovely lemon flavor comes in!
5. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
Now, gradually add the dry mixture from the first bowl to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop out dough balls that are about 1.5 tablespoons each. Roll these dough balls in the reserved ¼ cup of granulated sugar until they’re nicely coated. This sugar coating will create a lovely, sweet crust!
7. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread out as they bake.
8. Prepare for Baking:
Gently flatten each cookie ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand. This helps them bake evenly and gives them that classic cookie shape.
9. Bake the Cookies:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, and the tops have cracked a little. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake!
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your fresh, zesty lemon sugar cookies – they’re perfect with a cup of tea or coffee!
Can I Substitute the Fresh Lemon Juice?
Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice if you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, but fresh juice will provide a brighter flavor. If using bottled juice, use the same amount (2 tbsp) for the best results.
How Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free lemon sugar cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Make sure to check that all your other ingredients are also gluten-free!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once they are frozen solid, transfer the dough balls to a resealable plastic bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a container once frozen. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying!
