Lemon Sugar Cookies
These soft and chewy lemon sugar cookies are bursting with fresh citrus flavor, thanks to both lemon zest and juice in the dough and rolling sugar. Quick and easy to make, they’re perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to brighten your day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter for dairy-free)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- Zest from 2 medium lemons
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for rolling)
- Zest from 1 lemon (for rolling sugar)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and zest from 1 lemon. Rub together with your fingers until fragrant.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Using a mixer, beat softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, zest from 2 lemons, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion dough into 1.5 tablespoon balls (about 30g each). Roll each ball in the lemon sugar mixture until coated.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Notes
For best flavor, use fresh lemon zest and juice. Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep cookies soft. If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, substitute as described in the blog. Rolling the dough balls in lemon sugar gives a sparkly, flavorful finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (about 30g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 55
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 1
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