Thank you so much for stopping by today, my sweet friends! If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing better than the comforting smell of cookies baking in the oven. And today’s recipe—lemon sugar cookies—is a treat that will brighten up your kitchen with sunshine. These cookies are soft, chewy, and kissed with fresh lemon juice and zest for that irresistible tang.
Whether you’re baking for a springtime tea, a holiday cookie swap, or just because you need a little sweetness in your life, these cookies will become your new go-to. Be sure to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a cozy recipe like this one!
Overview of Recipe Content
What it is:
These are soft and chewy sugar cookies infused with fresh lemon juice and zest. They’re rolled in sugar for a delightful sparkle and crunch.
Why you’ll love it:
- Bright, zesty flavor that’s refreshing yet cozy.
- Easy to make with pantry staples.
- Perfect for bake sales, gifting, or afternoon tea.
Taste:
Think buttery sugar cookie meets fresh lemon tartness. Sweet, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth.
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Extra sugar for rolling
Tools Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Substitutions:
- Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a fun twist.
- Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a GF version.
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Preheat and prep. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar. In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and flavor. Mix in egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and zest.
- Combine wet and dry. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until dough forms.
- Shape and roll. Scoop dough into balls, roll in sugar, and place on baking sheet.
- Bake. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Cool & enjoy. Allow cookies to cool on a rack before enjoying with a glass of milk or tea.
What to Serve with Lemon Sugar Cookies
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of Earl Grey, a refreshing iced tea, or even a creamy latte. For dessert lovers, sandwich them with lemon buttercream for the ultimate cookie sandwich!
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Don’t overbake—soft centers make the best cookies.
- Chill the dough for 20 minutes if it feels too soft to roll.
- Zest your lemon before juicing—it’s easier that way!
Storage Instructions
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months—just bake straight from frozen, adding 2 minutes to the bake time.
- Reheating: Pop a baked cookie in the microwave for 10 seconds to revive that fresh-from-the-oven softness.
General Information
Lemon sugar cookies are a beloved American bake sale staple, often appearing around spring and summer gatherings. Their bright flavor makes them timeless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh is best, but bottled will work in a pinch.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes, refrigerate for up to 48 hours.
How do I keep them chewy?
Don’t overbake, and store in an airtight container.
Can I glaze them?
Absolutely—mix powdered sugar with lemon juice for a tangy drizzle.
Conclusion
These lemon sugar cookies are soft, zesty, and just the right balance of sweet and tangy. They’re a bright addition to any dessert table, perfect for springtime baking or year-round cheer.
If you loved these cookies, you might also enjoy these recipes from my blog:
- Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Classic Snickerdoodles
- Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Easy Lemon Bars
- Sugar Cookie Cutouts
Interactive Elements
I’d love to see your creations! Leave me a comment below if you make these cookies, and don’t forget to share your photos on Pinterest at Poulef Recipes. Tag me—I can’t wait to see your lemony bakes!
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approx.)
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 160 | 22g | 2g | 7g | 13g | 90mg |
Soft & Zesty Lemon Sugar Cookies You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and chewy lemon sugar cookies are bright, zesty, and rolled in sugar for a sweet sparkle. Perfect for springtime baking!
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Extra sugar for rolling
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Mix in egg, vanilla, lemon juice, and zest.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients until dough forms.
6. Roll dough balls in sugar and place on baking sheet.
7. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.
8. Cool before serving.
Notes
Chill dough if too soft to roll.
Add a lemon glaze for extra zing.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
