Lemon Sugar Cookies: 5 Steps to Pure Deliciousness

Name: Lemon Sugar Cookies: 5 Steps to Pure Deliciousness
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 9, 2025

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There’s something absolutely delightful about Lemon Sugar Cookies that just makes my heart sing! Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that bursts with bright citrus flavor – it’s like a little ray of sunshine in every bite. I love these cookies because they’re perfect for any occasion, from a cozy afternoon tea to festive gatherings. The zesty lemon juice and fresh zest create such a refreshing taste that it’s hard to stop at just one! Plus, they’re quick to whip up, making them my go-to treat when I want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember baking these with my kids, their laughter mixing with the zesty aroma filling the air. It’s a simple recipe that brings joy and warmth, perfect for creating sweet memories. If you’re ready to brighten up your day, let’s dive into making these amazing Lemon Sugar Cookies!

Lemon Sugar Cookies - detail 1

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

How to Prepare Lemon Sugar Cookies

Making these Lemon Sugar Cookies is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies ready to enjoy in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want your cookies to bake evenly and perfectly. While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. I like to use a hand mixer for this – it makes the butter fluffy and light, which is the secret to that chewy texture!

Once the butter and sugar are nice and fluffy, add in 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. I like to do this in thirds, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies to stay soft!

Now comes the fun part! Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can use a cookie scoop for perfect shapes, which makes life so much easier! Bake them in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye out for those edges turning lightly golden – that’s your cue that they’re ready!

Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This step is essential because it helps them firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it! A platter of soft, chewy Lemon Sugar Cookies that are sure to brighten anyone’s day!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying Lemon Sugar Cookies, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for each cookie. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sugar: 8g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g

So, as you savor each soft and chewy cookie, you can enjoy them with a little peace of mind knowing what’s in them! Perfect for a sweet treat without feeling guilty!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: Whip up these Lemon Sugar Cookies in just 15 minutes of prep time!
Refreshing Flavor: The zesty lemon juice and zest create a bright, uplifting taste that’s hard to resist.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive celebration, these cookies fit right in!
Soft and Chewy Texture: Each bite gives you that delightful chewiness, making them truly irresistible.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love these cookies – they’re a hit with everyone!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Lemon Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips for you! First off, be sure to use room temperature butter. This really helps in achieving that light and fluffy texture we love. When you cream the butter and sugar, don’t rush it – take your time to get it nice and airy. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!

For baking, keep an eye on those cookies as they approach the 10-minute mark. Ovens can vary, so you might find they bake a bit faster or slower. You want those edges to be just lightly golden while the centers stay soft – that’s the sweet spot! And once they’re out of the oven, be patient while they cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set and prevents any breakage.

As for storage, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Happy baking!

Variations on Lemon Sugar Cookies

One of the best things about these Lemon Sugar Cookies is how easily you can customize them! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a handful of poppy seeds for a delightful crunch and a beautiful look. Want a berry twist? Toss in some fresh blueberries or raspberries for a fruity burst that complements the lemon perfectly. You could also swap out the lemon zest for orange or lime zest for a different citrus vibe! And if you’re a chocolate lover, how about drizzling some white chocolate on top after they cool? The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make these cookies your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Lemon Sugar Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to a week! If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie, you can thaw them at room temperature for a few hours. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Trust me, that warm, citrusy goodness is worth the wait!

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Sugar Cookies are delightful on their own, but pair them with a few complementary treats, and you’ll elevate the experience to a whole new level! Consider serving them alongside a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade – the citrus flavors will harmonize beautifully. If you’re hosting a gathering, a light fruit salad with berries and mint can add a lovely freshness that pairs well with the cookies.
For a cozy twist, try them with a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet for a dreamy dessert combo. These cookies also make a charming addition to a dessert table at celebrations, bringing a pop of color and flavor that everyone will love!

For more information on the health benefits of lemon, check out this Healthline article.

If you’re interested in other delightful recipes, you might enjoy this no-bake lemon cheesecake recipe or these easy lemon bars.