Name: Lemon Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 3 tbsp lemon zest; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 large egg; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ cup sugar (for rolling)

Indulge in the delightful citrusy flavor of Lemon Sugar Cookies! Bursting with zesty lemon zest and fresh juice, these cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or planning a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to creating these tangy delights.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

3 tbsp lemon zest (from about 3-4 lemons)

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 large egg

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Directions:

Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest using a mixer on medium speed. Beat for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Add Lemon Juice and Egg: Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the fresh lemon juice and the egg. Mix until everything is fully incorporated.

Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until a smooth dough forms. It’s best to do this step by hand to avoid overmixing.

Refrigerate the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30-60 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up and makes it easier to handle when forming into balls.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Roll Dough Balls in Sugar: Once the dough has chilled, take it out of the refrigerator and roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar until coated.

Bake the Cookies: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, these Lemon Sugar Cookies are ready to enjoy!

Serving Tips:

Presentation: Arrange the Lemon Sugar Cookies on a decorative platter or serving tray for an eye-catching display.

Pairing: Serve alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee to complement the citrusy flavors.

Garnish: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the cookies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a twist of lemon zest.

Variety: Experiment with different sizes for the cookies to cater to individual preferences, from bite-sized treats to larger indulgences.

Accompaniments: Consider serving with a side of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.

Storage Tips:

Airtight Container: Store the cooled Lemon Sugar Cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Room Temperature: These cookies can be kept at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they remain soft and delicious.

Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing: Lemon Sugar Cookies can also be frozen for longer-term storage. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply remove the cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Related Recipes:

Soft Christmas Cookies

FAQs:

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for this recipe?

While you can use salted butter, it’s recommended to use unsalted butter to have better control over the saltiness of the cookies. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly to compensate.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Can I omit the rolling sugar step?

While rolling the dough balls in sugar adds a sweet and crunchy exterior to the cookies, you can omit this step if you prefer a less sweet cookie. The lemon flavor will still shine through beautifully without the additional sugar coating.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked Lemon Sugar Cookies for longer storage. Once completely cooled, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw the cookies at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Conclusion:

With their irresistible blend of tangy lemon flavor and sweet sugar, these Lemon Sugar Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing them with loved ones, they’re guaranteed to brighten any day. Give this simple yet delicious recipe a try and treat your taste buds to something special!

📖 Recipe: