Lemon Sugar Cookies: 10 Easy, Zesty Bites

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Our Easy Lemon Sugar Cookies
• Why These Lemon Sugar Cookies Are a Must-Bake
• Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Sugar Cookies
• Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Lemon Sugar Cookies
  • Prepare the Dough
  • Chill and Roll
  • Bake to Golden Perfection
• Tips for the Best Lemon Cookies
• Serving Suggestions & Storage
• Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Sugar Cookies

Welcome to your new favorite recipe for irresistible Lemon Sugar Cookies: 10 Easy, Zesty Bites! These delightful treats are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, guaranteed to brighten any day. Get ready to bake a batch of soft, chewy, and gloriously zesty cookies everyone will adore.

Introduction to Our Easy Lemon Sugar Cookies

There’s nothing quite like the bright, refreshing taste of lemon to elevate a classic sugar cookie. Our recipe makes homemade lemon cookies incredibly simple, even for beginner bakers. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up these tender, citrusy delights.

These cookies are perfect for spring picnics, summer gatherings, holiday cookie exchanges, or just a treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea. Their vibrant flavor always brings a smile.

Why These Lemon Sugar Cookies Are a Must-Bake

Our lemon sugar cookies stand out for several reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring basic ingredients and simple steps. Secondly, the balance of lemon zest and juice gives them an authentic, fresh citrus flavor that isn’t overpowering.

You’ll love their soft, chewy texture with slightly crispy edges. These are truly the best soft lemon cookies you’ll ever bake, making them a fantastic addition to your cookie repertoire.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Sugar Cookies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking these fantastic lemon sugar cookies. Most of these items are probably already in your pantry!

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (from 2-3 medium lemons)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Lemon Sugar Cookies

Follow these easy steps to create delightful chewy lemon cookies. You’ll be enjoying warm, fresh cookies in no time!

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.

Chill and Roll

4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
6. Place about ½ cup of granulated sugar in a shallow bowl for rolling. Form the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball generously in the sugar to coat completely. [Read our in-depth guide here.]

Bake to Golden Perfection

7. Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Do not overbake; you want them soft and chewy.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your perfect homemade lemon cookies!

Tips for the Best Lemon Cookies

Want to ensure your lemon sugar cookies are absolutely perfect every time? Here are a few expert tips:

• Use Fresh Lemon: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest. The bottled stuff simply won’t give you that vibrant, authentic lemon flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spread and ensuring a chewier cookie.
• Properly Measure Flour: Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping directly from the bag to avoid a dense cookie.
• Cream of Tartar: This ingredient contributes to the classic chewy texture and slight tang. Don’t omit it for the best result. Learn more about its uses at Food Network.

Serving Suggestions & Storage

These delightful lemon sugar cookies are wonderful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a glass of iced tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They make a fantastic addition to any dessert platter.

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

F.A.Q

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling and baking to make it more pliable.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

While cream of tartar helps with the classic chewy texture and slight tang, you can substitute it. For every ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar, use 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar along with an additional ¼ teaspoon of baking soda. This will activate the baking soda and still give a good result, though the texture might vary slightly.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Several factors can cause cookies to spread. Ensure your butter wasn’t too soft (it should be softened, not melted). Also, make sure you chilled the dough sufficiently. Overmeasuring flour can also lead to spreading, as can a preheated oven that isn’t hot enough.