If you’re looking for a burst of sunshine in cookie form, this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is about to steal your heart (and maybe your last crumb!). Every bite melts in your mouth, striking that magical chord between soft, chewy texture and the zing of real citrus. Friends and family will be swooning over the sweet-tart perfection, making these cookies a must-bake treat for everything from weekend snacks to special celebrations.

Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something almost magical about how these simple and familiar pantry staples transform into the most irresistible cookies. Each ingredient in this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe works together to create a soft, flavorful cookie with just the right amount of lemony punch and sugary crust.

All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their tender crumb and chewy texture.
Baking soda: Ensures your cookies puff up slightly and spread perfectly in the oven.
Baking powder: Adds a subtle lift, making each cookie delightfully light.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens up the lemon flavor.
Unsalted butter: The foundation of every soft, rich cookie—let it soften for the best creaming.
Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and gives the cookies their distinctive sugary crust when rolled just before baking.
Large egg: Adds moisture and helps bind everything together.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and enhances the lemon notes.
Fresh lemon juice: Provides natural brightness and a tangy pop (always go fresh for the best zing!).
Lemon zest: Packs a punch of concentrated lemon aroma and color—don’t skip it!
Extra sugar (for rolling): For that irresistible crackly, sparkling finish.

How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only keeps the cookies from sticking but helps them bake up with a tender bottom and easy release—no scraping required!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This quick blend ensures the leaveners are distributed evenly, giving every cookie a perfect texture.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is fluffy and almost white—this is where that signature chewiness begins!

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. The zest will instantly perfume your kitchen and turn the dough pale yellow—so much lemony goodness is happening here!

Step 5: Combine and Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until a soft and uniform dough forms. It might seem a bit sticky—that’s exactly what you want for tender cookies later on.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Scoop out tablespoon-sized pieces of dough, roll them into balls, and give each one a tumble in extra granulated sugar. Place on your prepared baking sheets, allowing space for spreading. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges are set and the tops are crackly but still pale—don’t overbake if you crave that soft, chewy center.

Step 7: Cool to Perfection

Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely—if you can resist sampling one fresh from the oven!

How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

An extra dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest turns these cookies into something truly bakery-worthy. For an elegant finish, try drizzling a touch of lemon glaze across the tops.

Side Dishes

Pair these tangy cookies with a cup of hot tea, iced lemonade, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re a natural fit for a spring brunch table or as an after-dinner treat alongside fresh berries.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, layer the cookies in a clear jar, tie with a lemon-yellow ribbon, and gift to friends. Or set out on a pretty platter with edible flowers or lemon twists for a party-ready look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep your Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay soft and flavorful, perfect for snacking any time.

Freezing

Place baked, cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers for up to 2 months. If you prefer, you can also freeze the raw dough balls—just thaw and roll in sugar before baking for fresh cookies on demand.

Reheating

If you want that irresistible, just-baked aroma, pop a cookie in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. They’ll taste like they just came out of the oven, with all that lemony fragrance restored.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice really brightens up the flavor in this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe and gives the best results, but bottled juice will work in a pinch. Just be sure it’s pure lemon juice, not from concentrate.

How do I get the crackly top on my cookies?

Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking creates that beautiful, sparkly, crackled surface that makes these cookies so inviting.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour. The Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe will still bake up soft and flavorful, though the texture may differ slightly.

Should I chill the dough?

You don’t have to, which is a big plus for quick cookie cravings! However, if your dough feels especially soft or sticky, a 20-minute chill in the fridge makes shaping easier and prevents excess spreading.

Can I add more lemon for extra tang?

Absolutely! Add up to one more tablespoon of zest or a few drops of lemon extract if you love super zippy cookies. Just be aware that too much extra juice can change the dough’s texture.

Final Thoughts

It’s simply impossible not to smile when you share or savor a batch of these zesty, tender cookies. Whether you’re a citrus lover or just seeking the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, you’ll want to keep this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe close at hand. Go ahead—bake a batch and let a little sunshine into your kitchen!