Introduction
If you love the zesty tang of lemon paired with the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of sugar cookies, these Lemon Sugar Cookies are your new obsession. Perfectly soft, lightly crisp at the edges, and bursting with citrus flavor, these cookies are ideal for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or anytime you need a sunshine-filled treat.
What makes them special? They’re easy to make, require no chilling (unlike many sugar cookies), and stay wonderfully soft for days. Plus, the optional lemon glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and tartness that takes them to the next level.
Ready to bake the best Lemon Sugar Cookies of your life? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Bright & Zesty – Fresh lemon zest and juice give these cookies a vibrant, citrusy punch.
- Soft & Chewy – The perfect texture—slightly crisp edges with a pillowy center.
- No Chilling Needed – Skip the wait and bake them right away!
- Versatile – Enjoy them plain, glazed, or rolled in sugar for extra crunch.
- Crowd-Pleasing – Loved by kids and adults alike—great for parties or gifting.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Lemon Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients & Tools
Ingredients Checklist:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (+ extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk (for richness)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
For the Lemon Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Tools Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or whisk)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
- Cookie scoop (optional)
Step 2: Making the Cookie Dough
Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla until fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Everything
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined (don’t overmix!).
Step 3: Shaping & Baking
Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll the Dough
Scoop 1.5 tbsp portions of dough, roll into balls, then coat in granulated sugar (for extra crunch).
Bake
Place dough balls 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are just set (centers will look soft—they’ll firm up as they cool).
Cool
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 4: Optional Lemon Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies for extra zing!
Tips for the Best Lemon Sugar Cookies
Use Fresh Lemons – Bottled juice won’t give the same bright flavor.
Don’t Overbake – They’ll continue cooking on the tray; underbake slightly for softness.
Roll in Sugar Twice – For extra sparkle and crunch, roll dough balls in sugar again before baking.
Freeze for Later – Unbaked dough balls freeze well—bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Overmixing the Dough – Leads to tough cookies.
Using Cold Butter – Creaming won’t work properly.
Skipping the Lemon Zest – It packs the most flavor!
FAQs About Lemon Sugar Cookies
Q: Can I make these cookies without eggs?
A: Yes! Replace the egg + yolk with ¼ cup Greek yogurt or a flax egg.
Q: How do I store them?
A: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days or freeze for 1 month.
Q: Can I use lime or orange instead?
A: Absolutely! Swap lemon zest/juice for another citrus for a fun twist.
Q: Why are my cookies flat?
A: Butter may have been too soft, or dough was overmixed. Chill dough for 15 minutes if needed.
Conclusion
These Lemon Sugar Cookies are a burst of sunshine in every bite—easy to make, irresistibly soft, and packed with citrusy goodness. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to become a staple in your cookie rotation.
Ready to bake? Preheat that oven and get ready for the most delightful, zesty cookies ever! Don’t forget to share your creations—tag #LemonSugarCookies and let us know how yours turned out.
Print
Lemon Sugar Cookies: Bright, Buttery, and Irresistibly Soft
Description
Indulge in the zesty goodness of these lemon sugar cookies, featuring a soft and chewy texture with a refreshing lemon flavor. Perfect for sunny days or anytime you need a citrusy treat, these cookies are sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp lemon extract
Zest of 1 lemon
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in the remaining granulated sugar to coat.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
These lemon sugar cookies are a refreshing and tasty treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the bright citrus flavor and soft, chewy texture in every bite!
