There's nothing quite like the invigorating scent of lemon wafting through the kitchen, especially when it transforms into delightful soft and chewy lemon sugar cookies. I remember the day I wanted to create something truly special, yet effortless enough for a busy afternoon. These drop cookies fit the bill perfectly—no rolling, no cutting, just simple scoops of cookie goodness that promise to brighten any day.

Whether you're in the mood for a light dessert after dinner or a sweet treat to share at gatherings, these cookies deliver tangy lemon flavor, enhanced by the zest and juice from fresh lemons. They're an absolute crowd-pleaser and offer a wonderful way to bring a bit of sunshine into your home. Plus, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—quick to whip up, making your baking endeavors as enjoyable as devouring these tasty morsels. So, let’s dive into making these cheerful lemon sugar cookies that are sure to become a beloved part of your baking repertoire!

Why make lemon sugar cookies today?

Simplicity at its Finest: This drop cookie recipe means no fussing with rolling or cutting—just scoop and bake!

Burst of Flavor: Each bite is infused with bright, tangy lemon, thanks to the fresh zest and juice.

Perfectly Chewy: These cookies boast a delightful chewy texture that satisfies every sweet craving.

Quick to Prepare: You’ll have these cookies ready in less than 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy bakers.

Crowd-Pleaser: Their irresistible flavor makes them perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even as a special treat for yourself.

And if you're in the mood for more lemony goodness, check out my delightful Pineapple Upside-Down Sugar Cookies for another treat that packs a punch!

Lemon Sugar Cookies Ingredients

• For the Lemon Sugar

Granulated Sugar – Provides a sweet foundation for the cookies.
Fresh Lemon Zest (from one large lemon) – Infuses the sugar with vibrant lemon flavor; rub it well to enhance the essence.

• For the Cookies

Butter, softened to room temperature – Gives richness and creates tender texture; don't let it get too soft!
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a lovely texture in your lemon sugar cookies.
Fresh Lemon Zest (from one large lemon) – Imparts a delightful burst of lemon flavor; use zest from the same lemon for efficiency.
Large Egg – Binds the ingredients together and provides structure; make sure it’s at room temperature for better mixing.
Fresh Lemon Juice – Amplifies the lemon flavor, making each cookie refreshing and tangy.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding depth to the sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and body; be mindful of adjustments based on elevation for best results.
Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for that slightly chewy texture.
Baking Powder – Aids in the rise, ensuring fluffy cookies that aren’t too dense.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors present in the cookies.

How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies

Prepare Lemon Sugar: In a bowl, combine granulated sugar and fresh lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers until well mixed, releasing those bright essential oils. Set this fragrant mixture aside.
Preheat & Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and give them a light greasing to prevent sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In your stand mixer or a sizable bowl with a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest. Beat this mixture until it's light and fluffy, which should take around 3-4 minutes.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add in the large egg, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until the batter lightens in color, usually about 1-2 minutes of blending.
Blend Dry Ingredients: Carefully add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until combined, making sure not to overmix to retain the cookies’ lovely texture.
Form Cookie Dough: Using a scoop, portion out the dough into rounded balls, roughly 2 tablespoons each, ensuring they’re evenly sized for uniform baking.
Coat with Lemon Sugar: Roll each cookie dough ball in the prepared lemon sugar. Place the coated balls onto the lined baking sheets, giving them a couple of inches of space apart.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. Look for a slightly crackly top to indicate they're ready!
Cool Down: Let your cookies rest on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely to enhance their soft, chewy texture.

Optional: Serve these cookies warm for an extra delightful experience!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Lemon Sugar Cookies

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh lemons for zest and juice. This will enhance the flavor profile of your lemon sugar cookies significantly.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps create a fluffy batter that results in lighter cookies.
Monitor Oven Temperature: Invest in an oven thermometer to check accuracy. Oven temp variations can affect the spread and texture of your lemon sugar cookies.
Cool Cookies Properly: Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack. This ensures they maintain their soft and chewy qualities.

Lemon Sugar Cookies Variations

Feel free to explore these creative twists that can elevate your lemon sugar cookies into something uniquely yours!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delightful gluten-free version.
Coconut Sugar: Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a richer, caramel-like flavor.
Lemon Lavender: Add 1 teaspoon of culinary lavender to the dough for a fragrant floral touch that complements the lemon beautifully. This creates a delightful harmony of flavors, transporting you to a sunlit garden.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies for a decadent touch. This sweet contrast complements the tangy lemon flavor exquisitely.
Citrus Medley: Incorporate zest from oranges or limes along with lemon for a zesty citrus twist that adds complexity and vibrancy to each bite.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the cookie dough for a surprising hint of warmth that brightens the lemon's tang. It's a delightful twist that will leave your guests guessing!
Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup of chopped almonds or pecans for an added crunch and depth of flavor that complements the chewy texture.
Lemon Cream Cheese Filling: For a surprise element, sandwich two cookies with lemon-flavored cream cheese frosting. This will create a delightful creamy contrast, perfect for lemon lovers.

With these variations, your lemon sugar cookies can cater to various tastes and preferences, making your baking experience even more enjoyable!

How to Store and Freeze Lemon Sugar Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cooled lemon sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and chewy.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can also keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just ensure they're in a well-sealed container to prevent drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen!

Reheating: To warm up leftover cookies, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or let them sit at room temperature for a quick refresh on that soft, chewy texture.

What to Serve with Easy Soft and Chewy Lemon Sugar Cookies?

Imagine a delightful afternoon with the scent of lemon sugar cookies wafting through your home, perfectly paired with these tantalizing options.

Lemon Iced Tea: Refreshing and lightly sweet, this drink wonderfully complements the bright flavors of the cookies for a pleasant afternoon treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully, providing a cool contrast to the warm cookies, creating a heavenly bite.
Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a burst of color and tanginess, enhancing the overall lightness of your dessert spread.
Creamy Lemon Curd: Spread some tart lemon curd on the cookies for an extra kick of lemon flavor that elevates your dessert experience.
Pistachio Muffins: The nutty flavor of pistachio muffins offers a delightful contrast in flavor and texture, creating a playful brunch pairing.
Sparkling Water with Lime: Serve this fizzy refreshment as a palate cleanser; its bright notes enhance the citrusy aspects of the cookies without overwhelming the flavors.
Cheese Platter: Delight in a sophisticated cheese board with lemon-infused cheeses, allowing the savory elements to balance the sweetness of your cookies.
Lemon Sorbet: This light and refreshing dessert makes for a zesty finish that marries beautifully with the cookies, perfect for warm days.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The rich chocolate coating offers a decadent twist, creating a decadent and visually stunning contrast that complements lemon beautifully.

Easy Soft & Chewy Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting lemons for lemon sugar cookies?
Absolutely! Choose lemons that are firm and heavy for their size, indicating juiciness. Look for bright yellow, unblemished skin, with no dark spots or wrinkles. Freshly zested lemons yield the best flavor, so I recommend using them right after zesting to capture those essential oils!

How should I store leftover lemon sugar cookies?
Cooled lemon sugar cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you're hoping to keep them for a bit longer, try refrigerating them for up to 5 days, making sure they are sealed well to prevent them from drying out.

Can I freeze lemon sugar cookie dough?
Yes, you can! To freeze the dough, scoop the unbaked cookie balls onto a baking sheet, ensuring they don't touch, and freeze until solid—this usually takes about an hour. Once firm, transfer the dough balls into a zip-top bag, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can pop them straight into the oven from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!

Why do my lemon sugar cookies spread too much during baking?
If your cookies spread more than desired, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. First, check your butter—it should be softened but not melted. If it is too soft, it can lead to excessive spreading. Additionally, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. If the problem persists, consider increasing your oven temperature slightly to help the cookies set more quickly.

Are lemon sugar cookies suitable for people with allergies?
These cookies contain common allergens such as wheat and eggs. If you're baking for someone with egg allergies, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoon water) for a similar binding effect. However, if you're serving pets or those with citrus allergies, it's best to avoid this recipe, as lemons can be harmful to dogs and may trigger allergic reactions for some individuals. Always check with your guests about any dietary restrictions before serving!

Unbeatable Easy Lemon Sugar Cookies that are Chewy & Bright

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There's nothing quite like the invigorating scent of lemon wafting through the kitchen, especially when it transforms into delightful soft and chewy lemon sugar cookies.

Author: Emma Saviani
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup granulated sugar
1 large lemon, zest
½ cup butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large lemon, zest
1 large egg
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Prepare Lemon Sugar: In a bowl, combine granulated sugar and fresh lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers until well mixed, releasing those bright essential oils. Set this fragrant mixture aside.
Preheat & Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and give them a light greasing to prevent sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In your stand mixer or a sizable bowl with a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest. Beat this mixture until it's light and fluffy, which should take around 3-4 minutes.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add in the large egg, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until the batter lightens in color, usually about 1-2 minutes of blending.
Blend Dry Ingredients: Carefully add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until combined, making sure not to overmix to retain the cookies’ lovely texture.
Form Cookie Dough: Using a scoop, portion out the dough into rounded balls, roughly 2 tablespoons each, ensuring they’re evenly sized for uniform baking.
Coat with Lemon Sugar: Roll each cookie dough ball in the prepared lemon sugar. Place the coated balls onto the lined baking sheets, giving them a couple of inches of space apart.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. Look for a slightly crackly top to indicate they're ready!
Cool Down: Let your cookies rest on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely to enhance their soft, chewy texture.

Notes

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh lemons for zest and juice. This will enhance the flavor profile of your lemon sugar cookies significantly.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps create a fluffy batter that results in lighter cookies.
Monitor Oven Temperature: Invest in an oven thermometer to check accuracy. Oven temp variations can affect the spread and texture of your lemon sugar cookies.
Cool Cookies Properly: Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack. This ensures they maintain their soft and chewy qualities.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg