Nothing beats the fresh, zesty flavor of homemade Lemon Sugar Cookies! These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy tang. If you love refreshing and light desserts, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Baking these lemon cookies is incredibly simple, making them an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced bakers. They come together in minutes, with just a handful of pantry staples and fresh lemons to bring out the best flavor. The lemon glaze drizzled on top adds the perfect finishing touch, making each bite burst with bright citrus goodness.
Perfect for spring, summer, or any time you crave a lemony treat, these cookies are delightful with a cup of tea, coffee, or as a sweet snack during the day. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – These cookies require minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps.
- Bright & Refreshing Flavor – The fresh lemon juice and zest create an irresistible citrus taste.
- Soft & Chewy Texture – The cookies have a light, delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for springtime treats, summer gatherings, or holiday baking.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – The dough can be prepped in advance and stored for later use.
Ingredients Overview
- Butter & Sugar – Provides richness and sweetness to the cookies.
- Egg & Vanilla Extract – Adds structure and depth of flavor.
- Lemon Juice & Zest – The key to a vibrant, citrusy taste.
- Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda & Salt – Helps create the perfect soft and chewy texture.
- Powdered Sugar & Lemon Juice (for the glaze) – Adds sweetness with a tangy kick.
If you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, bottled lemon juice can work as a substitute. However, for the best flavor, fresh lemons are highly recommended.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the egg, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Use a cookie scoop to form dough balls and place them about 1.5 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 7 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 7: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 8: While the cookies cool, make the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add a few drops of vanilla extract if desired.
Step 9: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a fork or spoon. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Tips for the Best Recipe
- Use Fresh Lemons – For the best flavor, always use fresh lemon juice and zest.
- Don’t Overbake – The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so remove them from the oven when the edges are just golden.
- Glaze Thickness – Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more lemon juice for a thinner drizzle or more powdered sugar for a thicker icing.
- Proper Cooling – Let the cookies cool completely before glazing to prevent it from melting into the cookies.
- Storage Tip – Store in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture.
Variations to Try
- Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies – Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the dough for extra texture.
- Lemon Coconut Cookies – Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Lemon Almond Cookies – Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
- Extra Glaze – Double the glaze recipe for an extra sweet and tangy topping.
- Add White Chocolate Chips – A handful of white chocolate chips adds a creamy balance to the tart lemon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze Lemon Sugar Cookies?
Yes! These cookies freeze well. You can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the cookie dough in individual balls and bake them fresh whenever needed.
2. How do I store these cookies?
Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, refrigerate them.
3. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. However, you might miss out on the fresh zest flavor.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
5. What can I do with extra lemon juice?
Leftover lemon juice can be used in lemon bars, lemonade, salad dressings, marinades, or even frozen in ice cube trays for future use.
How to Store and Reheat
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Refrigerator: Can be stored for two weeks in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Store baked cookies for up to 3 months or freeze dough balls for later baking.
- Reheating: Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a fresh-baked taste.
Conclusion
These Lemon Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy zing. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a fresh, homemade snack, this recipe is sure to impress.
The soft and chewy texture, combined with the light lemon glaze, makes them an instant favorite. Plus, with easy prep and make-ahead options, you can always have a batch ready to enjoy. Try these cookies today and experience the fresh, zesty flavor for yourself!
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