Ah, lemon sugar cookies—a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie that’s been a staple at family gatherings ever since I can remember. There’s something about the sharp, clean aroma of lemon that always seems to bring a smile to my face.
Perhaps it’s the bright, citrusy kick that complements the sweetness perfectly. Or maybe it’s how these cookies are the epitome of simplicity. Unlike their cookie cousins, there’s no need for rolling pins or cookie cutters.
Just scoop, roll, and bake! In this guide, I’ll walk you through the basics of the recipe, share some handy tips for achieving the perfect texture, explore variations to try, and, of course, go over common pitfalls to avoid.
The Ultimate Lemon Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (318 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups + 2 tablespoons (409 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup (71 g) granulated sugar for rolling (lemon sugar)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest: In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and lemon zest until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop and Roll in Lemon Sugar: Scoop the dough into balls and roll them in lemon sugar before placing them on baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes until slightly crackly on top. They should remain soft to the touch in the center.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture
Soft and Chewy Texture
Achieving that desired soft and chewy texture revolves around not overbaking them. Pull them out while they are still a touch soft, and they will firm up slightly as they cool.
Using Room Temperature Ingredients
Room temperature butter and eggs integrate seamlessly into your dough, ensuring even baking and a uniform texture, making a significant difference in the recipe’s final result.
Proper Measuring of Flour
Flour is a tricky ingredient. Using the spoon and sweep method—scooping flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife—ensures you’re not packing too much into your cookies.
Variations and Additional Tips
Lemon Frosting
For those looking to amplify the lemon experience, consider adding a lemon frosting. Simply mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and a bit of zest until smooth, and drizzle it over your cooled cookies.
Gluten-Free Option
If gluten isn’t your thing, gluten-free flour blends can seamlessly replace all-purpose flour, keeping the cookies just as tasty.
Chilling the Dough
Consider chilling the dough for 30-60 minutes for thicker, chewier cookies. This thickens the batter, slowing the spread of the cookie and intensifying the flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this recipe a shot and perhaps even experiment with some of the variations. Feel free to savor the joy of baking and the satisfaction of creating these delightful cookies. Happy baking!
