Print

Unbeatable Easy Lemon Sugar Cookies that are Chewy & Bright

lemon sugar cookies
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large lemon, zest
  • 1/2 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
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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!
  9. 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

Find it online: https://www.heavenlyrecipe.com/lemon-sugar-cookies/