These Lemon Sugar Cookies are bright and cheerful! Made with fresh lemon juice and zest, they’re soft, sweet, and have just the right amount of tartness to make your taste buds dance.
Every time I bake these, my kitchen smells amazing! I love to share them with friends or keep a batch just for myself—no judgment here! 😄 Pair them with a cup of tea for a lovely treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies. You can replace it with a gluten-free flour blend if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. Just ensure the blend is suitable for baking.
Unsalted Butter: I always prefer unsalted butter because it gives you control over the saltiness of your cookies. You can use coconut oil or vegan butter as a dairy-free alternative.
Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon zest gives a bright flavor; it’s worth the extra effort! If you’re out of fresh lemons, use bottled lemon juice, but fresh is always better. You might also try orange or lime zest for a different twist.
Granulated Sugar: This is key for the cookie’s sweetness and texture. You can substitute brown sugar for a deeper flavor, though it may change the cookie’s color slightly.
How Do I Keep My Cookies From Spreading Too Much?
Chilling the dough is an important step to prevent cookies from spreading. Here’s why and how:
- The cold dough helps the butter firm up, which means less melting during baking and more structure for your cookies.
- Don’t skip this step! Chill the mixed dough for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- You can also try using a cookie scoop, which helps form uniform balls that hold their shape well.
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling the dough. You’ll then bake them for 10 to 12 minutes. Overall, you can expect to spend about 1 hour making these zesty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This will make sure the cookies rise properly. Set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a whisk to cream together ½ cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps to incorporate air, which makes the cookies nice and soft!
4. Add Flavor Elements:
Add the lemon zest, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice into the butter and sugar mixture. Beat everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. You’ll start to get that lovely lemon aroma!
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually mix in the flour mixture you set aside. Stir just until everything is combined, but be careful not to overmix as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Chill the Dough:
Cover the bowl with dough and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle when shaping the cookies.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Once the dough is chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. If you like, roll each ball in some extra granulated sugar for a sweet crunch on the outside.
8. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the cookie balls on the lined baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each one. Gently press down on the tops with a fork or the palm of your hand to flatten them a bit.
9. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You want them to be lightly golden around the edges. Don’t worry if the centers look slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Now your lemon sugar cookies are ready to enjoy!
Enjoy the bright and zesty flavor of your freshly baked lemon sugar cookies!
Can I Substitute the Butter for Margarine?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter in this recipe! Use the same amount (½ cup), but make sure to use a stick margarine for the best consistency in your cookies. The flavor may be slightly different, but the cookies will still turn out delicious!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemons?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute. Use about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, but keep in mind that the flavor may be less vibrant than with fresh lemons. You can also add a touch of lemon extract for extra flavor if you have it!
How Should I Store the Cookies?
To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies! Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Use Different Citrus Zest?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a variation, you can substitute orange or lime zest for the lemon zest. Just use the same amount (about 1 tablespoon). This will give your cookies a new twist while keeping them equally delightful!
