Lemon Sugar Cookies
These soft and chewy lemon sugar cookies are buttery and full of fresh lemon flavor. They are crispy on the outside with a sparkly sugar coating and they take less than 30 minutes to make!
Why this recipe is so great:
- Quick and easy to make – This one-bowl recipe comes together in a matter of minutes. Then all you have to do is roll the cookie dough in sugar and bake for 10 minutes.
- Perfect texture – These cookies are amazingly soft and chewy on the inside and delightfully crispy on the outside.
- Great taste – Each bite of these lemon sugar cookies is rich and buttery, sweet and tangy, and finishes with a zesty lemony flavor.
- Here are some reviews:
“Best lemon cookies ever!!! I loved the crispy edges and so soft in the center. Super lemony too. Making another batch soon:)” – Ruby
“Hi, it was both soft and crispy. Absolutely delish! Perfect for tea time.” – Quraisha
How to make lemon sugar cookies:
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until just combined.
- Roll the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar and place 2″ apart on a lined cookie sheet. Bake at 350F for 9-11 minutes or until the edges just start to brown.
Expert tips:
- The flavor comes from the lemon zest – So the more zest, the more flavor. And this recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest (about 1 large lemon) which makes it super lemony and delicious.
- If the dough is too sticky or the cookies spread too much in the oven – Simply chill the dough in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes to firm it up.
How to store lemon sugar cookies:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
How to freeze lemon sugar cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cooled, place in a freezer-friendly container or ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Place on the counter for 1-2 hours to thaw and come to room temperature before serving.
Variations:
- Lemon glaze – Mix some powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice and drizzle over the cooled cookies for a little extra sweetness.
- White chocolate chips – Add some creamy white chocolate chips for a lemon and white chocolate combination in these cookies.
- Citrus flavor – You can use this recipe and substitute the lemon juice and lemon zest with orange, lime or even grapefruit for a different citrus flavor.
You might also like:
- Thick Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust
- Whole Lemon Pie
- Lemon Meringue Pie
- Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies
- Frosted Sugar Cookies
Did you make this recipe? Please kindly leave a comment with your star rating below.
Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 dozen cookies
Description
These soft and chewy lemon sugar cookies are buttery and full of fresh lemon flavor. They are crispy on the outside with a sparkly sugar coating and they take less than 30 minutes to make!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (114g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tbsp. lemon zest
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchement paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until just combined.
- Scoop a heaping teaspoon amount of dough, roll into a ball, then coat in granulated sugar. Place 2″ apart onto the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the edges just start to brown.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
How to freeze:
Once the cookies are completely cooled, place in a freezer-friendly container or ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Place on the counter for 1-2 hours to thaw and come to room temperature before serving.
Variations:
- Lemon glaze – Mix some powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice and drizzle over the cooled cookies for a little extra sweetness.
- White chocolate chips – Add some creamy white chocolate chips for a lemon and white chocolate combination in these cookies.
- Citrus flavor – You can use this recipe and substitute the lemon juice and lemon zest with orange, lime or even grapefruit for a different citrus flavor.
- Category: dessert
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon cookie recipe, lemon sugar cookies
Recipe very slightly adapted from Creations by Kara.
6 Comments on “Lemon Sugar Cookies”
Another amazing recipe! Thank you! I’m loving everything I’ve tried from your blog so far and can’t wait to figure out what to try next 🖤
★★★★★
Aww, thank you, Caroline! That’s very sweet of you to say. I’m so happy you like my recipes. I wish you and your family a very happy new year!
Best lemon cookies ever!!! I loved the crispy edges and so soft in the center. Super lemony too. Making another batch soon:)
★★★★★
I’m so glad you like it. Thank you for your lovely feedback!
Hi, it was both soft and crispy. Absolutely delish! Perfect for tea time.
★★★★★
Great to hear and thank you for your lovely review!