Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe for Soft & Chewy Perfection

Lemon sugar cookies, those delightful little bites of sunshine, are about to become your new favorite treat! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie, bursting with bright lemon flavor and coated in a delicate, sugary sweetness. Forget everything you thought you knew about ordinary sugar cookies; these are a game-changer.

While the exact origins of the sugar cookie are debated, variations have existed for centuries, evolving from simple sweetened biscuits. The addition of lemon, however, elevates this classic to something truly special. Lemon has long been associated with freshness and joy, and its inclusion in baking adds a vibrant zest that awakens the senses.

What makes these lemon sugar cookies so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, the melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the sheer simplicity of the recipe. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making them ideal for a quick weeknight dessert or a delightful addition to any gathering. The bright, citrusy aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is an added bonus, promising a taste of sunshine with every bite. Get ready to experience cookie perfection!

Ingredients:

• For the Cookies:
• 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest, finely grated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Lemon Sugar Coating:
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest, finely grated

Preparing the Dough:

1. Whisk the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough. I always find that whisking is more effective than just stirring!
2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want the mixture to be pale and airy, as this is what gives the cookies their tender texture. Don’t rush this step!
3. Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla: Beat in the egg until well combined. Then, add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is incorporated. The lemon zest is key here – it provides a burst of fresh lemon flavor.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. I usually add the dry ingredients in three additions, mixing until just incorporated after each addition.
5. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-3 hours. This chilling time is crucial! It allows the gluten to relax, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also makes the dough easier to handle. You can even chill it overnight if you want to bake the cookies the next day.

Preparing the Lemon Sugar Coating:

1. Combine the sugar and lemon zest: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest for the coating. Use your fingers to rub the lemon zest into the sugar. This releases the oils from the zest and infuses the sugar with a strong lemon flavor. This step is important for maximizing the lemony goodness!

Shaping and Baking the Cookies:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper is my go-to for easy cleanup.
2. Shape the cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. I find that using a small cookie scoop helps to ensure that all the cookies are the same size.
3. Coat in lemon sugar: Roll each ball of dough in the lemon sugar mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. The lemon sugar coating adds a delightful sweetness and a beautiful sparkle to the cookies.
4. Place on baking sheets: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This allows the cookies to spread without running into each other.
5. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The cookies should be soft in the center. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
6. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking while they’re still warm and soft.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Sugar Cookies:

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter is essential for creaming properly with the sugar. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly, and your cookies may be dense. If your butter is too melted, the cookies may spread too much.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough develops the gluten, which can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much and for making the dough easier to handle.
• Use fresh lemon zest: Fresh lemon zest provides the best flavor. Avoid using dried lemon zest, as it doesn’t have the same intensity of flavor.
• Don’t overbake the cookies: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still soft.
• Store properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Variations:

• Lemon Glaze: For an extra lemony touch, you can drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple lemon glaze. To make the glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth.
• Poppy Seeds: Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the dough for a subtle nutty flavor and a beautiful visual appeal.
• Almond Extract: Add 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for a complementary flavor that enhances the lemon.
• Different Citrus: Experiment with other citrus fruits, such as orange or lime, for a different flavor profile.

Troubleshooting:

• Cookies are spreading too much: This could be due to several factors, such as using butter that is too soft, not chilling the dough long enough, or overmixing the dough. Make sure to use softened (but not melted) butter, chill the dough for at least 1 hour, and avoid overmixing.
• Cookies are dry: This could be due to overbaking. Make sure to bake the cookies until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still soft.
• Cookies are tough: This could be due to overmixing the dough. Mix until just combined.
• Cookies are not lemony enough: Make sure to use fresh lemon zest and lemon juice. You can also add a lemon glaze for an extra lemony touch.

Serving Suggestions:

These lemon sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion! They’re great for:

• Snacking
• Dessert
• Parties
• Gifting
• Enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee

I hope you enjoy these delicious lemon sugar cookies as much as I do! They’re a perfect balance of sweet and tart, and they’re sure to brighten your day.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another cookie recipe; it’s an invitation to experience sunshine in every bite. These lemon sugar cookies are truly special, and I wholeheartedly believe they deserve a spot in your baking repertoire. The bright, zesty lemon flavor perfectly complements the sweet, buttery cookie base, creating a delightful balance that’s both refreshing and comforting. The slight tang from the lemon prevents the cookies from being overly sweet, making them dangerously addictive – in the best way possible, of course!

But what truly sets these cookies apart is their versatility. They’re perfect as is, a simple yet elegant treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. But don’t let that stop you from experimenting! For a more decadent experience, try sandwiching two cookies together with a light lemon buttercream frosting. The frosting adds an extra layer of richness and intensifies the lemon flavor, creating a truly unforgettable dessert.

Alternatively, you could drizzle the baked cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. This adds a beautiful sheen and a touch of extra sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a sprinkle of poppy seeds to the dough for a subtle nutty flavor and a visually appealing texture. Or, for a festive touch, add a few drops of yellow food coloring to the dough for a vibrant, sunny hue.

Serving suggestions are endless! These cookies are perfect for afternoon tea, bake sales, potlucks, or simply as a sweet treat to brighten your day. They also make a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family. Imagine presenting a beautifully wrapped box of these lemon sugar cookies – a gesture that’s sure to be appreciated.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. The ingredients are readily available, and the baking process is relatively quick. You’ll be enjoying warm, freshly baked cookies in no time!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to embark on a baking adventure. I promise you won’t be disappointed. These lemon sugar cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and they’re sure to become a family favorite.

I’m incredibly excited for you to try this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? Did you add any special ingredients? What did your friends and family think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating and sharing delicious recipes. Happy baking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. I hope you enjoy these little bites of sunshine as much as I do!

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