Description
Soft, chewy lemon sugar cookies infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, optionally topped with a bright citrus glaze. Perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or anytime you want a sweet and zesty treat.
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Optional: 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling or glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, optionally roll them in powdered sugar, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optionally, drizzle cooled cookies with a glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Notes
Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and chewy.
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes yields a softer, cake-like texture.
Glaze can be adjusted to your preferred consistency using more or less lemon juice.
Add orange zest for a stronger citrus flavor.
Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg