These lemon sugar cookies are a sunny treat! They’re soft, sweet, and have a refreshing lemon zing that brightens any day. Perfect with a cup of tea or as a snack!
Whenever I make these cookies, the whole house smells like a lemon grove. I can’t resist grabbing one (or three) fresh out of the oven. Trust me, sharing is tough! 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, feel free to swap with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Just note that this might change the texture a bit.
Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest gives a vibrant flavor. If you don’t have lemons, you can use pre-packaged lemon zest, though it’s best when fresh. Lime zest works nicely too for a different twist!
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with texture. For a healthier option, coconut sugar or a sugar substitute can work, but the cookies may be less sweet. I prefer using regular granulated sugar for that classic taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter is suggested here, but if you only have salted, skip adding extra salt. You can also opt for vegan butter or coconut oil if you’re looking for dairy-free options.
How Do I Get My Cookies to Be Light and Fluffy?
Beating the butter and sugar until light and fluffy is crucial for achieving soft cookies. This process incorporates air, creating a tender texture. Don’t rush this step—give it a solid 3-4 minutes of mixing. Here’s how to do it:
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing.
- Start on low speed to avoid sugar flying everywhere, then increase to medium.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is blended well.
Remember, if you mix too little, the cookies may turn out dense. The fluffier, the better!
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling cookies
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to bake. After baking, allow some time for the cookies to cool completely before enjoying them. In total, you should plan for about 30-35 minutes to make these delightful cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking, making clean-up a breeze!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture will help the cookies rise and have a nice texture. Set it aside for later!
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together. Mix for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy—this is key for a great cookie!
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Now, add the egg, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract to your butter mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined, bringing out the lovely lemony flavor!
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir just until the flour is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Take tablespoon-sized portions of your dough and roll them into balls. Each ball should be about the size of a ping-pong ball. Roll each ball in some additional granulated sugar to coat it—this creates a sweet crust!
7. Bake the Cookies:
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie since they will spread as they bake. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are crackled.
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once they’re done baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly!
Now your delicious Lemon Sugar Cookies are ready to enjoy! Whether with a cup of tea or coffee, they are sure to delight!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Oil?
While you can use oil instead of butter, it will change the texture slightly. Use about 3/4 cup of a mild-flavored oil (like vegetable or canola) in place of 1/2 cup of butter. Just keep in mind that the cookies may be a bit softer and less chewy.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add about 1/4 tsp to help with texture.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your Lemon Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them!
What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Lemon Juice?
If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute. Generally, use the same amount indicated in the recipe. However, fresh lemons will give a brighter flavor, so consider this before substituting!
