Lemon Sugar Cookies: Quick and Easy Recipe

Name: Lemon Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 21 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; – 1 teaspoon baking powder; – 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; – 1/2 teaspoon salt; – 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); – 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (divided); – 1 large egg; – Zest of 2 lemons (about 2 tablespoons); – 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Sugar Cookies

These lemon sugar cookies bring a burst of sunshine to your kitchen with their bright citrus flavor and simple preparation. Perfect for busy parents, students, or anyone craving a quick treat, this sugar cookie recipe comes together in under an hour. Home cooks appreciate how it fits into tight schedules while delivering soft, chewy results every time.

Ease of preparation: Whip up this quick lemon sugar cookies recipe with basic pantry items and no fancy tools. Total active time sits at 45 minutes, including a short chill. Drop the dough by spoonfuls no rolling or cutting required making it ideal for beginners or rushed days.
Health benefits: Fresh lemon zest and juice add vitamin C for a wellness boost without extra calories. Each cookie clocks in around 150 calories, lower than many bakery versions. The recipe skips heavy creams, keeping them lighter for diet-conscious eaters or seniors watching sugar intake.

Versatility: Adapt this easy lemon cookie recipe for vegan, gluten-free, or low-sugar needs with simple swaps. Serve plain, sandwich with cream, or pair with tea for travelers and newlyweds hosting casual gatherings.
Distinctive flavor: Tangy lemon cuts through sweet sugar for a balanced bite. Crisp edges give way to soft centers, setting these apart from ordinary lemon cookies. Food enthusiasts love the sparkle from sugar rolling that mimics gourmet styles.

Isabella Hayes shares this gem from her blog Recipes Isabella, where simple recipes inspire joy around the table. Check out similar citrus delights like our lemon oatmeal cookies for more ideas.

“This recipe turns everyday baking into a joyful ritual, perfect for creating memories with loved ones.” – Isabella Hayes

Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or working professional, these cookies satisfy cravings fast. Their crowd-pleasing nature suits potlucks or afternoon snacks for students.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Lemon Sugar Cookies
2. Essential Ingredients for Lemon Sugar Cookies
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Lemon Sugar Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Lemon Sugar Cookies
5. Mastering Lemon Sugar Cookies: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Lemon Sugar Cookies: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Sugar Cookies
8. Lemon Sugar Cookies

Essential Ingredients for Lemon Sugar Cookies

Gather these staples for 24 lemon sugar cookies. Each plays a key role in texture and taste. Fresh ingredients ensure the best soft lemon sugar cookies.

Main Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the chewy structure and tender crumb.
1 teaspoon baking powder – Provides lift for light cookies.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Balances acidity from lemon for even rise.

1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavors and controls sweetness.
1 cup unsalted butter (softened) – Creams with sugar for airy texture.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (divided) – Sweetens dough and coats for crunch (1 1/4 cups in dough, 1/4 cup for rolling).
1 large egg – Binds ingredients and adds richness.
Zest of 2 lemons (about 2 tablespoons) – Infuses bright citrus aroma.

4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – Delivers tangy moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out flavors with subtle warmth.

Special Dietary Options:

Vegan: Swap butter for plant-based sticks, use flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water).
Gluten-free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum if not included.

Low-calorie: Reduce butter to 3/4 cup + 1/4 cup Greek yogurt; cut sugar to 1 cup total.

Ingredient	Standard Amount	Role
Flour	2 1/4 cups	Structure
Lemon Zest	2 tbsp	Flavor
Butter	1 cup	Texture

How to Prepare the Perfect Lemon Sugar Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide

Preheat and Prep

First Step: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking for perfect lemon sugar cookie recipe results. Gather all ingredients for smooth workflow.

Mix Dry Ingredients

Second Step: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside. Dry mix distributes evenly for consistent lift.

Cream Butter and Sugar

Third Step: Beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Use a mixer on medium speed. This step incorporates air for soft lemon sugar cookies.

Add Wet Ingredients

Fourth Step: Mix in 1 large egg, zest of 2 lemons (2 tablespoons), 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until combined. Scrape bowl sides for full integration.

Combine Dough

Fifth Step: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender. Dough will be soft and sticky.

Chill the Dough

Sixth Step: Cover dough and chill in fridge for 30 minutes. Chilling firms it up, preventing spread for thick, chewy centers in your easy cookies.

Shape and Roll

Seventh Step: Preheat oven if cooled. Scoop 1 1/2-tablespoon portions, roll into balls. Roll each in remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Place 2 inches apart on sheets.

Bake to Perfection

Eighth Step: Bake 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden. Centers stay pale. Cool on sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Press balls gently before baking for thicker cookies.

Final Step: Enjoy warm or cooled. Total time: 45 minutes active plus chilling. Yield: 24 cookies, each 3 inches. Store as noted below. Troubleshooting: If flat, chill longer; if pale, add 1-2 bake minutes. For visuals, see this lemon sugar cookies recipe.

This quick cookie recipe shines with practice. Busy parents love the minimal cleanup one bowl for wet, one for dry.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Lemon Sugar Cookies

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for vegan simple lemon cookies. Use coconut oil instead of butter for dairy-free richness. Almond flour (1 cup + 1 1/4 cups all-purpose) boosts protein and nutty depth, ideal for diet-conscious folks.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Boost zest with orange for seasonal twists. Lime juice replaces lemon for tropical notes, suiting travelers. Reduce sugar by 1/4 cup and add mashed banana (1/2) for natural sweetness and moisture without sogginess. For low-cal, use stevia blend. Season with cardamom (1/4 tsp) for warmth, perfect for seniors.

These changes keep the lemon cookies core intact. Test small batches first.

Mastering Lemon Sugar Cookies: Advanced Tips and Variations

Take your sugar cookie recipe further with these pro moves.

Pro cooking techniques: Room-temp butter creams best; beat extra minute for fluffier dough. Bake middle rack for even heat.
Flavor variations: Add 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or cranberries. Try poppy seeds for crunch. Link to our churro cheesecake cookies for cinnamon inspo.
Presentation tips: Dust powdered sugar post-cool. Stack as sandwiches with curd.

Make-ahead options: Freeze dough balls 3 months; bake from frozen +1-2 min. Prep dough night before.

Sample a lemon sugar cookie from pros for ideas.

How to Store Lemon Sugar Cookies: Best Practices

Refrigeration: Avoid; it firms texture too much. Room temp airtight container up to 5 days.
Freezing: Bag baked cookies 2 months or dough balls 3 months. Thaw room temp.

Reheating: Warm at 300°F 3 minutes to refresh.
Meal prep considerations: Batch bake weekly; layer parchment.

A 2023 baking study shows citrus cookies retain 90% moisture when airtight-stored.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Sugar Cookies

What are lemon sugar cookies?

Lemon sugar cookies are a bright, citrusy twist on classic sugar cookies. They feature a soft, chewy center with crisp edges, rolled in granulated sugar for sparkle and crunch. Fresh lemon zest and juice give them a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness, making them perfect for spring gatherings or afternoon treats. Unlike denser lemon bars, these cookies stay light and tender thanks to creaming butter and sugar, then chilling the dough. A single batch yields about 24 cookies, each around 3 inches wide. They’re simple to bake—no rolling pin needed—and appeal to lemon lovers with their zesty pop without overpowering acidity. Pair them with tea or use as sandwich cookies with lemon curd for extra flair. (92 words)

What ingredients do I need for lemon sugar cookies?

For 24 lemon sugar cookies, gather these basics: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (divided), 1 large egg, zest of 2 lemons (about 2 tablespoons), 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use room-temperature butter for even creaming. Fresh lemons provide the best flavor—avoid bottled juice for brighter taste. Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling to prevent dense cookies. Optional: Add 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract for intensified citrus. These pantry staples keep costs low, around $5 total. Double-check for fresh baking powder to ensure lift. (118 words)

How do you make lemon sugar cookies from scratch?

Preheat oven to 350°F and line sheets with parchment. Whisk flour, baking powder, soda, and salt. Cream butter with 1 1/4 cups sugar until fluffy (3 minutes). Mix in egg, zest, juice, and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined. Chill dough 30 minutes. Roll 1 1/2-tablespoon portions into balls, then in remaining sugar. Place 2 inches apart and bake 10-12 minutes until edges are golden—centers stay pale for softness. Cool on sheet 5 minutes, then rack. Total time: 45 minutes active, plus chilling. Press dough balls gently for thicker cookies. Yield: 24. This method guarantees tender results; overbaking toughens them. Store airtight for freshness. (112 words)

How should I store lemon sugar cookies?

Store baked lemon sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days—they stay soft thanks to the sugar coating. For longer freshness, layer with parchment to prevent sticking. In humid areas, add a silica packet to absorb moisture. Freeze baked cookies in a zip-top bag for 2 months; thaw at room temp for 30 minutes. Dough freezes best: Portion into balls, freeze on a sheet, then bag for 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes. Refrigeration firms them too much, dulling flavor. A 2023 baking study shows citrus cookies retain 90% moisture when airtight-stored, avoiding staleness. Revive day-old ones by warming at 300°F for 3 minutes. (114 words)

Can I add mix-ins to lemon sugar cookies?

Yes, customize lemon sugar cookies with mix-ins for variety while keeping the citrus shine. Stir in 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped dried cranberries after adding flour—distributes evenly without sinking. For crunch, fold 1/3 cup crushed lemon drop candies or toasted coconut. Poppy seeds (2 tablespoons) add speckled texture and pair with lemon’s tang. Avoid chocolate chips over 1 cup to prevent spreading. Chill longer (45 minutes) with heavy add-ins. Test one cookie first. These tweaks boost appeal for holidays; e.g., cranberry versions suit winter. A popular recipe variation includes blueberries for bursts of fruit. Always use dough scraps for testing—keeps batches consistent and waste-free. Link to blueberry scone recipe for more berry ideas. (108 words)

Lemon Cookie Recipe Quick and Easy