Description
These Lemon Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with bright lemon zest flavor. Perfectly sweetened and lightly crisp on the edges, these cookies bake up in just under 30 minutes for a delightful treat any time of day. The recipe yields 18 cookies, making it ideal for sharing or enjoying over several days.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour (167 g)
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened (½ cup / 113 g)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g)
- 1 Tbsp packed brown sugar (18 g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 2-3 Tbsp lemon zest
Coating
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Incorporate the egg yolk, lemon zest, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, beating until just combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. For firmer dough, chill for about 30 minutes if desired.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1½-inch balls or use a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop. If desired, roll each ball in granulated sugar and place them about 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes until the edges start to turn golden but centers remain soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack or container. Enjoy once cooled to avoid burning your tongue!
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container or freeze for longer preservation.
Notes
- If doubling the recipe, adjust flour quantity carefully to maintain consistency.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, use zest from 3 lemons.
- Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent spreading and enhances texture.
- Rolling cookies in sugar before baking creates a nicely crisp, sweet coating.
- Baking times may vary slightly depending on oven calibration; watch for lightly golden edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
