Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe!
The Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe! is a delightful treat that captures the essence of spring and summer with its bright flavors. These chewy lemon cookies are easy to make from scratch, featuring fresh lemon juice and zest that give them a refreshing twist. Perfect for any occasion—be it picnics, parties, or just a sweet snack at home—these cookies will surely impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.
- Bright Flavor: The combination of lemon juice and zest provides a zesty kick that elevates your cookie experience.
- Perfect Texture: Enjoy soft and chewy cookies that melt in your mouth, making them irresistible.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for any gathering, whether it’s a birthday party, holiday celebration, or just an afternoon snack.
- Glazed Goodness: The optional lemon glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
Tools and Preparation
To create the best Lemon Sugar Cookies, having the right tools is essential. These common kitchen items will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Grab This Chef Knife Now - Almost Gone!
- Stays Razor-Sharp: Ice-hardened blade keeps its edge longer than ordinary knives
- Superior Grip Control: Unique finger hole design gives you perfect balance and safety
- Built to Last a Lifetime: Premium stainless steel blade with elegant beech wood handle
Customer Reviews ★★★★★
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to easily combine ingredients without spills.
- Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking and presentation.
- Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet promotes even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
Ingredients
The BEST Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe! Easy Chewy Lemon Cookies from Scratch with lemon juice and lemon zest! My favorite light and soft lemon cookie recipe for Spring and Summer!
Cookie Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups of unbleached flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 5 teaspoons lemon juice
- Drops of vanilla (optional)
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until fully combined. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the mixture.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add in the large egg, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Stir in the following dry ingredients:
– unbleached flour
– baking powder
– salt
– baking soda
Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 5: Scoop Cookie Dough
Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, form dough balls. Place them about 1.5 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 7 minutes. Watch closely to ensure they don’t overbake.
Step 7: Cool on Baking Sheet
Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing together:
– powdered sugar
– lemon juice
Add a couple drops of vanilla if desired. Adjust thickness by adding more lemon juice or water as needed.
Step 9: Drizzle Glaze on Cookies
Once cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over each cookie using a spoon or piping bag. Let it set before serving.
Now you have delicious Lemon Sugar Cookies ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe!
Lemon sugar cookies are a delightful treat that can brighten any occasion. Their light, zesty flavor pairs well with various beverages and snacks, making them versatile for serving.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing, the creamy texture of milk complements the chewy lemon cookies perfectly.
At a Tea Party
- Serve these cookies alongside a selection of herbal teas. The bright lemon notes will enhance the overall experience.
As Party Favors
- Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons. They make charming gifts for guests at celebrations.
With Fresh Berries
- Pair lemon sugar cookies with a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing dessert platter.
Alongside Ice Cream
- Top vanilla or lemon sorbet with crumbled cookies for added texture and flavor.
For Afternoon Snacks
- Enjoy lemon sugar cookies as a light snack with your favorite coffee or tea during the afternoon break.
How to Perfect Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe!
Achieving the perfect lemon sugar cookie involves attention to detail in both baking and storage. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies are always a hit.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemons yield the best juice and zest, enhancing the cookie’s flavor.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy. This prevents dense cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
- Cool Properly: Allowing cookies to cool on the sheet ensures they set perfectly without becoming too hard.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add more lemon juice slowly until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Store Correctly: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe!
Lemon sugar cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their citrusy flavor. Here are some delicious options to consider:
-
Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies. -
Greek Yogurt Parfait
Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that pairs well with dessert. -
Cheese Platter
Include soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese along with crackers for a savory contrast. -
Pineapple Salsa
This sweet and tangy salsa provides an exciting flavor combination when served alongside lemon treats. -
Chocolate Fondue
Offer melted chocolate for dipping fruits and cookie pieces—an indulgent twist! -
Lemonade
A refreshing glass of homemade lemonade enhances the zesty theme of your gathering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe!, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping Room Temperature Butter: Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Always use room temperature butter for a light and fluffy texture.
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can cause tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
- Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Too much flour can dry out your cookies. Use a spoon to fluff the flour before scooping it into your measuring cup for accuracy.
- Ignoring Baking Time: Baking for too long can result in hard cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they are slightly underbaked, as they’ll continue to firm up while cooling.
- Forgetting the Zest: Skipping lemon zest reduces flavor intensity. Always add fresh lemon zest for that burst of citrusy goodness that defines these cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- They last for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe!
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe!
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until just warm, being careful not to overdo it.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, flipping occasionally, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe! that might help you.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While bottled lemon juice can work, fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor. Always choose fresh lemons if possible.
How do I make Lemon Sugar Cookies more chewy?
To achieve chewier cookies, consider adding an extra egg yolk or reducing the flour slightly.
What can I add for extra flavor in my Lemon Sugar Cookies?
You can add poppy seeds or swap half of the vanilla with almond extract for a delightful twist.
How long will baked Lemon Sugar Cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they will last up to one week at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.
Final Thoughts
The Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe! is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. The bright lemon flavor makes these cookies perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Feel free to customize them with different glazes or mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these delightful treats!
Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe!
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Treat yourself to our delightful Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe! These easy-to-make cookies burst with refreshing lemon flavor, perfect for spring and summer gatherings. With a chewy texture and a hint of sweetness from the optional lemon glaze, they are sure to impress family and friends. Whether for parties, picnics, or a cozy snack at home, these cookies are versatile and irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet about 1.5 inches apart.
- Bake for approximately 7 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
