Tangy Zesty Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe for Sweet Treats

Sweet, buttery, and bursting with bright lemon sugar cookies that melt in your mouth, these delightful treats promise a sunshine-filled baking adventure.

Zesty citrus notes dance through each tender, perfectly crisp cookie edge.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a bakery-style dessert without complicated techniques.

Soft centers and slightly crisp edges make these cookies irresistibly addictive.

Powdered sugar gives a delicate finish that complements the vibrant lemon essence.

A sprinkle of lemon zest adds extra brightness and aroma to each delectable bite.

You’ll love how these cookies bring a refreshing twist to classic sugar cookies, making every moment sweeter.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10-11 minutes

Total Time: 25-26 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 22

What You’ll Need for Lemon Sugar Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and classic cookie texture, choose unbleached for better flavor.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine grain for even distribution.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create crisp cookie edges, look for fine-crystal sugar for smooth mixing.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, zesty tang and helps activate baking soda for better rise.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor complexity, choose pure extract for most authentic taste.
• Lemon Zest: Provides intense citrus aroma and concentrated lemon flavor, use fresh lemons for best results.

• Butter: Creates rich, tender texture and helps cookies spread correctly, use room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture, ensure it's fresh and at room temperature.

Baking Tools for Lemon Sugar Cookies

• Mixing Bowls: One small and one large for separating dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients smoothly.
• Cookie Scoop: Creates uniform cookie sizes and helps roll dough easily.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Zester or Grater: Helps create fine lemon zest for maximum flavor.
• Baking Sheets: Two lined with parchment paper for even baking.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool without getting soggy on the bottom.

Baking Instructions for Lemon Sugar Cookies

• Lemon Sugar Cookie Preparation

Get ready to create delightful, zesty cookies that will brighten up your day. These treats combine the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

• Mixing Dry Ingredients

Blend flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Set this powdery mixture to the side for later.

• Butter and Sugar Magic

Cream together softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step creates the magical base of your cookies.

• Wet Ingredient Fusion

Introduce lemon juice, vanilla, and an egg to the butter mixture. Stir until everything combines into a smooth, fragrant blend.

• Zesty Flavor Boost

Sprinkle in fresh lemon zest to give your cookies a bright, citrusy kick. The zest will make your kitchen smell amazing.

• Dough Formation

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently mix until a soft, pillowy dough forms.

• Sugar Coating

Create a sparkling coating by mixing sugar with additional lemon zest. This will give your cookies a delightful crunch and extra zing.

• Cookie Shaping

Scoop out small balls of dough and roll them in the lemony sugar mixture. Place each cookie carefully on a baking sheet.

• Baking Perfection

Bake until the cookies develop tiny cracks and look golden. The aroma will fill your kitchen with sunshine.

• Cooling and Enjoying

Let the cookies rest briefly before transferring to a cooling rack. Enjoy these tangy, sweet treats with a cold glass of milk.

Tips to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies Even Better

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and create perfectly shaped cookies with crisp edges.
• Add a hint of lavender or rosemary to the sugar coating for an unexpected aromatic twist that complements the bright lemon flavor.
• Drizzle cooled cookies with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice, or sprinkle with edible flowers for an elegant presentation.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, or replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option that maintains the cookie's delicate texture.

Serving Lemon Sugar Cookies

• Zesty Brunch Companion: Pair these tangy lemon sugar cookies with a fresh fruit salad or light yogurt parfait for a delightful morning treat that brightens up your breakfast spread.
• Tea Time Elegance: Serve these cookies alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea, creating a sophisticated afternoon snack that perfectly balances sweet and citrusy flavors.
• Summer Dessert Finale: Complement these cookies with a scoop of lemon sorbet or lavender ice cream for a refreshing and elegant end to a summer dinner party that will wow your guests.
• Gifting Delight: Package these cookies in a cute mason jar or decorative tin with a ribbon, transforming them into a homemade gift that spreads joy and showcases your baking skills.

Storing Your Lemon Sugar Cookies

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating layers to prevent sticking. These delightful treats maintain perfect texture for 5-7 days when refrigerated.
• Counter Comfort Keeping: Store cookies at room temperature in a sealed container, enjoying maximum softness for 3-4 days. Ceramic or glass containers work best to retain moisture and prevent crumbling.
• Freezer Friendly Stash: Wrap cookie batches individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen cookies stay delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Cookie Moisture Magic: Add a slice of bread to your storage container, which helps maintain soft, chewy texture by releasing gentle moisture throughout the batch. Replace bread slice every 1-2 days for optimal freshness.