Soft, chewy Lemon Sugar Cookies bursting with fresh citrus flavor. An easy homemade cookie recipe with simple ingredients, perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
These Lemon Sugar Cookies are the kind of treat that quietly wins your heart. At first bite, there’s a gentle crisp on the outside, followed by a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center. The lemon flavor feels alive and refreshing, never overpowering, just bright enough to make each cookie feel special. They’re simple, comforting, and somehow uplifting—exactly the kind of recipe you come back to again and again.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microplane or fine grater (for lemon zest)
- Rubber spatula
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients (Exact Measurements)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, and lemon zest on medium speed for 1–2 minutes until light, fluffy, and fragrant. Add the lemon juice and egg, then mix again until the texture is smooth and fully combined.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Mix on low speed or gently fold with a spatula just until a soft dough forms. Stop as soon as the flour disappears—overmixing will make the cookies dense.
3. Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes. This step is essential for controlling spread and achieving thick, chewy cookies.
4. Shape and Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the ¼ cup of sugar in a small bowl. Scoop portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat generously in sugar. Arrange them on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
5. Bake and Cool
Bake for 11–13 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Use fresh lemons only; bottled juice won’t deliver the same bright flavor.
- Chill the dough fully to prevent flat cookies.
- For extra softness, slightly underbake and let residual heat finish the job.
- Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
- Lemon Vanilla: Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for a warmer flavor note.
- Lemon Glaze: Drizzle cooled cookies with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Lemon Poppy Seed: Fold in 1 tablespoon poppy seeds for texture and visual appeal.
- Extra Citrus: Mix in a little orange zest for a layered citrus profile.
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 8–10 seconds to restore softness.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30–60 minutes
- Bake Time: 11–13 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Approximate Nutrition (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Sugar: 14 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This usually happens when the dough isn’t chilled long enough or the butter is too soft.
Can I use salted butter?
You can, but reduce the added salt to a pinch to avoid overpowering the flavor.
How do I keep the lemon flavor strong?
Don’t skip the zest—it’s where most of the lemon aroma and taste comes from.
These Lemon Sugar Cookies are more than just a dessert. They’re a small moment of brightness, the kind you’ll want to share—or quietly keep for yourself. Bake them once, and they’ll earn a permanent place in your recipe collection.
