Lemon Sugar Cookies (Printable)
Buttery sugar cookies infused with fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright, citrusy treat perfect for any occasion.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
06 - 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ For Rolling
10 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Beat in the lemon zest, egg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
06 - Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll each in the extra sugar to coat.
07 - Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
08 - Bake for 9-11 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are just set.
09 - Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The texture is crisp at the edges but soft and tender in the middle, exactly how a sugar cookie should be
- Fresh lemon zest makes these taste bright and cheerful, not overly sweet or heavy
02 -
- Overbaking is the enemy here, pull them out when the centers still look slightly underdone
- Room temperature ingredients make all the difference in achieving that perfect texture
03 -
- Meyer lemons make these exceptionally fragrant if you can find them
- A pinch of cream of tartar adds a subtle tanginess that complements the lemon