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!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Method Bake

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Servings cookies

Calories 106

Author Lily Ernst

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.
1/2 cup (114g) unsalted butter, 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
Beat in the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
1 large egg, 1 Tbsp lemon zest, 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Stir in the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until just combined.
1 & 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp baking powder, 1/8 tsp baking soda
Scoop a heaping teaspoon amount of dough, roll into a ball, then coat in granulated sugar. Place 2" apart onto the prepared cookie sheet.
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
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.

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