Description

This Lemon Sugar Cookies recipe delivers soft, tangy, and sweet treats that perfectly balance zesty lemon flavor with a classic sugar cookie texture. Ideal for any occasion, these cookies are easy to prepare, incorporating fresh lemon zest and juice for a refreshing twist. With a simple mixing and baking process, they yield 24 delightful cookies, perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
3 Tbsp lemon zest
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 large egg
3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt

For Rolling

¼ cup (50g) sugar

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Instructions

Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest using an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the fresh lemon juice and the large egg into the mixture, beating again until fully combined and smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Using a spatula, mix by hand until just combined, ensuring not to overwork the dough.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30 to 60 minutes to firm up, which helps maintain shape during baking.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Sugar: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Place ¼ cup of sugar in a bowl to roll the cookie dough balls in.
Shape and Coat Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to form dough balls. Roll each ball evenly in the sugar, then place them on a silicone-lined baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges turn a faint golden color, indicating the cookies are baked through but still soft.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely, enhancing texture and handling.

Notes

For stronger lemon flavor, zest the lemons before juicing to maintain zest integrity.
Make sure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
Do not overbake; cookies should remain soft and slightly chewy inside.
Use silicone baking mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
The chilling step is important for dough consistency and precise cookie shape.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American