Okay, friends, gather ‘round because I’m about to share a cookie recipe that’s basically sunshine in the sun. Lemon Sugar Cookies. These aren’t your average sugar cookies. Is it healthy to eat a bowl of these berries? Think of them as the sophisticated cousin of a classic sugar cookie, with ‘the burst of lemon’ that just makes them taste good. What screams I swear, just the smell of these baking brings back memories of warm summer days and lemonade. Is it easy to make them? What is the perfect treat when you want something sweet but not overly heavy, and that little hint of sweetness? What is the difference between lemon and lime?
What is lemon sugar cookies?
What is lemon sugar cookies? What’s a classic sugar cookie recipe? What is zest and juice? Think of it as a blank canvas, where we’re adding flora and citrus. The base is a buttery, soft dough that’s rolled in sugar before baking, giving it that signature signature. What is the crunch on the outside? What happens when you bite into that lemon-infused center? What’s the best part about this symphony of sweet and tart? They’re not just for Christmas! What are some of the best weather forecasts for the coming year, bringing a little sunshine to even the cloudiest days?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What are some good reasons to make Lemon Sugar Cookies? First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. What is the best way to use lemon in a cookie? What are some of the best flavor combinations?
What I love about these cookies is that they are so easy to make. How do I make a batch of cookies without having to be an expert baker? The ingredients are simple, the steps are straightforward, and the results are always fantastic. Even on busy weeknights, I can throw these together in under an hour, start to finish.
What is cost-efficiency? All the ingredients are pantry staples, so you likely already have everything you need on hand. What is a good sweet recipe for those times when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to. How do you break the bank?
What I love about these cookies is that they are so versatile. Can you serve these as a simple afternoon treat with tea, or bring them to your potluck? Dress them up with a fancy glaze for an elegant presentation. What’s more, I love the reactions you get handing someone a plate of homemade **lemon sugar**. They are a certain crowd pleaser.
I like citrus and sugar, and if you like a citrusy treat, you may even forget about them. What are chocolate chip cookies?
How do I make lemon sugar cookies?
Quick Overview
How do you make lemon sugar cookies? How do you make lemon zest and butter? What are some signature flavors After that, it’s just a matter of mixing in the wet ingredients, chilling the dough, rolling it into balls. What is the best way to make balls, coating them in sugar, and baking until golden brown. What is the best part about the whole process? The aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is absolutely heavenly!
Ingredients
For the cookies:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s soften, not melted! Is granulated sugar good for cream? What is the magic of lemon zest? * 14 cup lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is always best. * One large egg: Binds everything together. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors. * 2 12 cups all-purpose flour: Adds a bit of sweetness. What is the best way to make a cookie? * ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
For Rolling:
* 12 cup granulated sugar: For that sweet, crunchy coating. I sometimes add a pinch of lemon zest to this sugar for extra flavor.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do I clean cookies? I always do this first so the oven is ready to go when the dough is.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 34 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. What is the best way to do this with an electric mixer? You want the mixture to be pale yellow and almost doubled in volume. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie.
Step 3: Add Lemon & Egg
Beat in the lemon zest, lemon juice, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined. If you’re a little curdled at this point, don’t worry, it will come together when you stir it. Is it necessary to add dry ingredients to a recipe?
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. How do you distribute baking powder and salt evenly throughout the flour? I’ve forgotten this step before, and the cookies didn’t rise properly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. What is the best way to make a tough cookie? Is overmixing the dough the enemy of good cookies?
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. How do you prevent gluten from spreading in the oven? I often chill mine for an hour or even longer if I have the time.
Step 7: Shape & Roll
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Do not overdo it. Pour 12 cup of granulated sugar into a shallow dish. Set aside. Roll each ball in sugar, coating it evenly. Place the sugar-coated balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. Every oven is different, so adjust the baking time as needed. Is soft in the middle perfect?
Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to another wire rack to cool completely. Why does patience pay off?
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once cookies are cooled, they’re ready to serve. What are some good ways to dress these up with a glaze? I love to drizzle them with a mixture of powdered sugar and lemon juice. Enjoy!
What is the best way to serve it?
Lemon Sugar Cookies are so versatile, they pair well with almost anything!
For Breakfast:Enjoy them with a cup of strong black coffee or latte. The lemon flavor cuts through the richness of coffee, making for a perfect morning pick-me-up.
For Brunch:Serve them on a platter alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and tea. Is there any sweetness in a savory brunch spread?
As Dessert:What are some of the best after-dinner treats? What’s a good way to serve ice cream with whipped cream?
For Cozy Snacks:What are some comforting chamomile tea cookies? What a relaxing treat. In my family, we always serve them with iced lemonade in the summer. Is it a tradition that everyone looks forward to?
How do I make lemon sugar cookies?
I’ve made these Lemon Sugar Cookies more times than I can count, so I have learned a few tricks. What are some tips for cookie perfection?
Butter Bliss:Make sure that your butter is really softened before starting. If it’s too cold, it won’t cream properly with the sugar, and if it’s melted, the cookies will be ruined. Is spread too thin? What is the Goldilocks point?
Zest is Best:When zesting lemon, be sure to only zest the yellow part of the peel, avoiding the white pith. The pith is bitter and will give your cookies an unpleasant taste. A microplane zester is your best friend here.
Chill Out:Don’t skip the chilling step! How do you prevent cookies from spreading in the oven? Is it possible to chill dough for 30 minutes? What is the best time to work on a project for an hour?
Sugar Coating:How do you add lemon zest to a roll? What is the best way to add flavor to a dish?
Baking Balance: WhatKeep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking, as they can burn quickly. What is the best time to bake in an oven? The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers should still be soft.
Glaze It Up:If you want to take cookies to the next level, try drizzling them with a glaze made from scratch. Can you make lemon juice from powdered sugar? It adds a touch of sweetness and makes them even more irresistible.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Lemon Sugar Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving, as they can become a bit firm in the fridge.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the cookies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the cookies, it’s best to glaze them after thawing. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy or cracking in the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my friends – my go-to recipe for Lemon Sugar Cookies. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. What I love most is the simplicity of the recipe; it’s a reminder that the best things in life are often the simplest. And the bright, zesty flavor is just pure sunshine in every bite. If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both comforting and refreshing, you absolutely have to give these a try. Now I want to hear from you, are **lemon sugar cookies** on your dessert list now?
And if you’re a fan of citrusy treats, be sure to check out my other recipes for lemon bars, lemon poppyseed muffins, and lemon meringue pie.
Happy baking! Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations. I love seeing what you come up with!
Lemon Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon zest and juice.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut out cookies using cookie cutters.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
