Easy Homemade Lemon Sugar Cookies: A Sweet and Tangy Delight

There’s nothing quite like the refreshing taste of lemons to invigorate the senses and brighten the day. Among the myriad of delightful lemon-infused treats, Easy Homemade Lemon Sugar Cookies stand out as a quintessential favorite for those who crave a perfect balance between sweet and tangy. With a soft, chewy texture and a vibrant lemony aroma, these cookies are a delightful treat that bring a burst of sunshine to any occasion.

They are ideal for everything from spring holidays and summer picnics to simply enjoying as a sweet afternoon snack. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of pantry staples and a couple of fresh lemons.

Lemon Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat to make when you’re in the mood for something sweet and refreshing. They are simple enough for beginners and quick to prepare, making them a wonderful project for a weekend baking session with family or friends.

The combination of lemon juice and zest infuses the cookies with a bright citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar. The result is a cookie that’s soft on the inside, with a slight crunch on the outside, thanks to the lemon sugar coating. Plus, these cookies are easy to freeze, so you can always have a batch on hand for future cravings or unexpected guests.

Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 3 lemons (divided: zest from 2 lemons for the dough, zest from 1 lemon for rolling)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is crucial as it prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and ensures even baking. Additionally, it makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture is the backbone of your cookie dough. Ensuring that the baking powder and soda are evenly distributed will give your cookies the perfect rise and texture.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process, known as creaming, incorporates air into the dough, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture. It usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
   Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Then, fold in the zest from 2 of the lemons. The fresh lemon zest is what gives these cookies their vibrant citrus flavor, making each bite refreshing and zesty.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently after each addition. It’s important not to overmix the dough as this can make the cookies tough. Aim for a smooth, cohesive dough that just comes together.
6. Prepare Lemon Sugar Coating:
   In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with the zest from the remaining lemon. This lemon sugar coating will add a delightful burst of citrusy sweetness to the cookies, creating a lovely contrast with the soft cookie interior.
7. Form and Roll Cookies:
   Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion the dough into balls about the size of a walnut. Roll each ball in the lemon sugar mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. This not only adds flavor but also gives the cookies an appealing sugar-crusted exterior. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Bake:
   Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes. The cookies are done when their tops are no longer wet and cracks begin to form. They should be just slightly golden around the edges, indicating that they are perfectly baked. Be careful not to overbake them, as this will lead to a drier texture.
9. Cool:
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps them set before transferring them to a cooling rack or wax paper to cool completely. Cooling on the rack will prevent the bottoms from becoming soggy and will ensure the cookies maintain their deliciously chewy texture.
10. Store:
    Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week. They can also be frozen for later enjoyment, making them a versatile treat for any time you need a lemony pick-me-up. To freeze, layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container, and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Nutritional Information :

• Calories: 141 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Cholesterol: 27 mg
• Sodium: 51 mg
• Potassium: 34 mg
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Vitamin A: 245 IU
• Vitamin C: 0.5 mg
• Calcium: 12 mg
• Iron: 1 mg

Conclusion:

These Easy Homemade Lemon Sugar Cookies are a perfect way to brighten up any day with their cheerful lemon flavor. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the delightful taste of fresh lemon, makes them a go-to choice for various occasions. They are especially great for those who enjoy baking but have limited time, as they come together quickly without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Whether you’re baking for a special event, sharing a batch with friends, or indulging in a personal sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress. The combination of citrus zest and a sugary crunch creates a unique and memorable cookie experience. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the best taste, or save some for later—either way, these lemony delights are bound to be a hit!

By mastering this simple recipe, you’ll have a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer and the joy of homemade baking. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the smiles they bring to everyone who tastes them!

Author : Marie-claude