These lemon sugar cookies are a bright and cheerful treat! They’re soft, sweet, and packed with a zesty lemon flavor that gives them a lovely twist.
Honestly, I can’t resist how they make my kitchen smell! 🍋 I love enjoying these cookies with a nice cup of tea. It’s the perfect little snack to brighten any day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your cookies. You can substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option. Just keep in mind that texture may vary slightly.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the cookies. If you’re in a pinch, melted coconut oil or margarine works as a dairy-free alternative.
Lemon Zest and Juice: Fresh lemon adds a vibrant flavor. If fresh lemons aren’t available, you can use bottled lemon juice, but use slightly less as it can be more concentrated. Lime zest and juice can also be a fun twist!
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works perfectly here. If you want a more caramel flavor, try brown sugar. Just remember, this will affect the texture slightly, making them chewier.
How Do I Cream Butter and Sugar Properly?
Creaming butter and sugar is a key step to achieving light and fluffy cookies. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with softened butter, which makes it easier to blend and incorporates air.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy.
- Pause occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.
Getting this step right will give your cookies the perfect texture!
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ÂĽ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ÂĽ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Rolling:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of active prep time and 10-12 minutes of baking. Allow an additional time for cooling, and soon you’ll have delicious Lemon Sugar Cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick. This makes cleanup easier too!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the ingredients. Once mixed, set the bowl aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, take your softened butter and cream it together with 1 ÂĽ cups of granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Now, crack in the egg and add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually sprinkle the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently. Be careful not to overmix – just stir until everything is combined, and you see no more dry flour.
6. Shape the Dough:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of your dough and roll them into balls between your hands. After that, roll each ball in the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, coating them well.
7. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the sugar-coated cookie dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each for spreading. This helps them bake evenly!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to set and the tops to be slightly cracked. They may look soft in the center, but don’t worry—they’ll firm up as they cool!
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, take the cookies out and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This will help them harden a bit. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delightful smell!
Now enjoy your delicious Lemon Sugar Cookies, perfect with a cup of tea or coffee!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. If using whole wheat flour, your cookies may be denser, so you might want to adjust by adding a tablespoon of additional lemon juice or milk for moisture. For gluten-free flour, ensure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture.
How Can I Store Leftover Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them!
What Can I Substitute for the Egg?
If you need an egg substitute, use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana for each egg. This will add a bit of moisture and sweetness to your cookies, so adjust the sugar slightly if necessary.
Can I Add Other Flavors or Mix-ins?
Absolutely! You can mix in chocolate chips, white chocolate, or even nuts for added texture. If you’re adding dry ingredients, like chocolate chips, make sure to fold them in after you’ve combined the flour to maintain the dough’s structure.
