Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe: 7 Joyful Bites of Sunshine

Name: Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe: 7 Joyful Bites of Sunshine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon; 1/2 teaspoon salt

septembre 14, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Let me tell you, there’s something magical about lemon sugar cookies that just makes my heart sing! Every time I bake these, the bright, zesty aroma fills my kitchen, and I can’t help but smile. They’re sweet, buttery, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor—what’s not to love? This lemon sugar cookies recipe is so simple that even on a busy day, I can whip these up and treat myself or my family with something special. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon, a holiday gathering, or just because it’s Tuesday, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked! They’re not just cookies; they’re little bites of sunshine that brighten up any day.

Ingredients for Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking these delightful lemon sugar cookies! Here’s everything you’ll need:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon (make sure to grate this finely for that burst of flavor!)
1/2 teaspoon salt

Make sure your butter is softened—this is key to achieving that creamy texture when you mix it with sugar. And don’t skip the lemon zest; it really elevates the flavor and gives your cookies that signature zing! Happy baking!

How to Prepare Lemon Sugar Cookies

Alright, let’s dive into making these scrumptious lemon sugar cookies! I promise, the process is just as delightful as the cookies themselves. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying your fresh-baked goodies in no time!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and rise beautifully. So, don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps to distribute the leavening agents evenly, which is key for that perfect cookie texture. Set it aside for now.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Now, in a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is super important—creaming incorporates air into the butter, giving your cookies that light texture we all love. Trust me, it’s worth the elbow grease!

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, beat in 1 large egg, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and the zest of 1 lemon. Mix until everything is well combined. The fresh lemon juice and zest are what make your cookies sing with flavor!

Step 5: Blend Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your creamed mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here—just blend until you don’t see any more flour. This will help keep your cookies tender and delicious!

Step 6: Form Cookies

Using a rounded tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart; they’ll spread as they bake! You want them to have room to grow without sticking together.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Pop the cookie sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’re looking for the edges to turn a lovely golden brown. The centers might still look a bit soft, but they’ll set up perfectly as they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Transfer

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This step is important because it helps them firm up without falling apart. Plus, the aroma wafting through your kitchen is just heavenly!

Tips for Success with Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

To ensure your lemon sugar cookies come out perfectly every time, here are some of my tried-and-true tips that I swear by!

Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chill your cookie dough for about an hour before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better and gives them a lovely texture. Plus, it makes them less likely to spread too much in the oven!
Adjust the Lemon Flavor: If you’re a lemon lover like me, feel free to add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice or more lemon zest to really amp up that citrusy brightness. Just be careful not to add too much liquid, or it might affect the dough consistency.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh lemons when zesting and juicing. The flavor is so much brighter and zestier compared to bottled lemon juice, and it makes a world of difference in your cookies!
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out, as they will continue to set while cooling. This will keep them soft and chewy!
Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Adding white chocolate chips or poppy seeds can bring an exciting twist to your lemon cookies. Just fold them in gently after mixing the dry ingredients.

Follow these tips, and you’ll have a batch of lemon sugar cookies that are not just good but absolutely irresistible! Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying these delightful lemon sugar cookies, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one cookie:

Calories: 120
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 1g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy these cookies in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and savor every zesty bite!

FAQ about Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

How do I store lemon sugar cookies?

Storing your lemon sugar cookies is super simple! Just place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but honestly, they probably won’t last that long because they’re so delicious! If you want to keep them extra fresh, you can layer them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! Freezing lemon sugar cookies is a great way to enjoy them later. Just let the cookies cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature—no need to bake them again!

What can I substitute for lemon zest?

If you don’t have lemon zest on hand, don’t worry! You can use lime zest as a substitute for a different twist. Alternatively, a splash of lemon extract can work in a pinch, though it won’t give you the same fresh flavor as zest. Just remember, zest brings a unique brightness, so if you can, try to keep it in your cookie-making repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lemon sugar cookies recipe is a true gem, and here’s why you’re going to adore it just as much as I do:

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have fresh cookies ready in no time! Perfect for those last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
Delightful Flavor: The bright, zesty lemon flavor is a refreshing twist on traditional sugar cookies, making each bite a burst of sunshine!
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a festive party, or just a casual afternoon treat, these cookies fit right in and are sure to please everyone.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Baking these cookies is a great way to involve the kids in the kitchen. They’ll love rolling the dough and, of course, tasting the finished product!
Customizable: Feel free to add your own flair! Mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of icing to make them uniquely yours.
Perfect for Sharing: Bake a big batch, pack them up in cute boxes, and share them with friends and neighbors—it’s a great way to spread a little joy!

Trust me, once you start making these cookies, you’ll find every reason to whip up another batch!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve baked a batch of these irresistible lemon sugar cookies, let’s talk about how to serve them for maximum enjoyment! There are so many fun ways to elevate your cookie experience:

With a Refreshing Drink: Pair these cookies with a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade. The citrusy flavors complement each other beautifully and make for a refreshing treat during warm days.
As Part of a Dessert Platter: Serve your lemon sugar cookies alongside other sweet delights like brownies, fruit tarts, or mini cheesecakes. It creates a colorful dessert spread that’s sure to impress your guests!
With Whipped Cream: Top your cookies with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess pairs perfectly with the zesty cookie flavor.
With Fresh Berries: Serve them with a side of mixed fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries. The tartness of the berries enhances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful balance.
For a Breakfast Treat: Enjoy them with your morning coffee or tea! They make a cheerful addition to your breakfast table and are sure to brighten your day.

Whichever way you choose to enjoy your lemon sugar cookies, I guarantee they’ll be a hit! So grab a few, share them with loved ones, and savor every tangy bite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your delicious lemon sugar cookies is super easy! Just make sure they’re completely cooled first, then place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long because they’re so addictive!

If you want to keep them even fresher, you can layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in the container to prevent them from sticking together. This works like a charm!

Now, if you find yourself with a stash of cookies that you can’t finish right away, don’t fret—you can freeze them! Just let the cookies cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie (or five!), simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. No need to re-bake; they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them! Enjoy your little bites of sunshine anytime you like!

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Sur moi

Bonjour, je m'appelle Julia, je suis le cœur de Vihaad Recettes et une passionnée de bonne cuisine. Mon amour pour la cuisine a commencé dans mon enfance, inspirée par les délicieux repas de ma grand-mère. Aujourd'hui, je partage des recettes savoureuses qui rassemblent les gens à travers le plaisir de manger ensemble.