These lemon sugar cookies are bright and cheerful! They are soft, sweet, and have a zesty lemon flavor that makes them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Also, they are simple to make, which means you can whip up a batch in no time. I often keep a few in a jar for a quick snack—who can resist a cute cookie? 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the main structure for the cookies. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
Granulated sugar: Regular sugar gives sweetness and helps with texture. You could swap it with coconut sugar for a subtle caramel flavor, but your cookies will be darker.
Butter: Unsalted butter lends a nice creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter works well in this recipe.
Lemon juice and zest: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest bring vibrant flavor. If you can’t find fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work, but it may not be as aromatic. Use about half the amount.
Vanilla extract: Vanilla adds depth to cookie flavors. If you’re out, almond extract is a great substitute for a slightly different taste.
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture?
The key step to achieving lovely cookies lies in the mixing and baking process. It’s about getting that balance of softness while ensuring they hold their shape.
- When creaming the butter and sugar, aim for a light and fluffy texture. This adds air, making cookies soft.
- After combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Remove them when the edges are golden, and the centers look slightly underbaked—they’ll continue cooking while they cool!
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 10-12 minutes for baking. In total, you should expect to spend around 30 minutes from start to finish, and then you’ll need a few moments to let the cookies cool. They’ll be ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal once they are baked. This will help your cookies not to stick!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later. It’s important to have everything mixed well to ensure an even rise when baking.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Using a mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step adds air and helps your cookies become soft!
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add in the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mix. Mix everything until well combined. You want all those delicious flavors mixed in together!
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Now, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the cookies to stay tender!
6. Form the Cookie Dough:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar to give them a nice sweet crust before placing them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie because they will spread as they bake.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are lightly golden while the centers might seem a little underbaked. Don’t worry, they will firm up as they cool!
8. Cool the Cookies:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This will help them set perfectly. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the lovely citrus aroma as they cool!
9. Time to Enjoy!
Once cooled, grab a cookie (or two!) and enjoy them with a refreshing cup of tea or coffee. These lemon sugar cookies are delightful and sure to brighten your day!
Can I Substitute the Butter in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free version. Just be aware that different fats might alter the texture slightly, but they will still result in delicious cookies!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Lemons?
No problem! You can use bottled lemon juice—just make sure to use about 1 tablespoon instead of 2 tablespoons to avoid an overpowering flavor. You can also substitute with lemon extract, using about 1/2 teaspoon for a lovely lemon essence.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your leftover lemon sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and they’ll last up to 3 months.
Can I Make These Cookies Smaller or Larger?
Yes! You can adjust the size of your cookie balls according to your preference. Just remember that baking time will change—a smaller cookie may take about 8-10 minutes, while a larger one may need 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them to achieve the perfect golden edges!
