Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe for Sweet & Tangy Treats Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that perfectly balances sweet and tangy, look no further than the Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe for Sweet & Tangy Treats Recipe. This beloved recipe creates cookies that are tender and buttery, with a bright burst of fresh lemon flavor in every bite. The subtle tang of lemon zest and juice harmonizes beautifully with the sugary coating, making these cookies truly unforgettable. Whether you want a delightful afternoon snack, a charming addition to your dessert table, or a gift to brighten someone’s day, these lemon sugar cookies will quickly become your go-to treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and color of your Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe for Sweet & Tangy Treats Recipe. From creamy butter that ensures that melt-in-your-mouth softness to the fresh lemon zest that gives a zesty pop, every item is chosen carefully for delicious results.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups or 281g): The foundation that gives structure and the right chewiness to the cookies.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough to be tender but not cakey.
• Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Boosts the leavening and balances acidity from the lemon.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup or 226g, softened): Adds rich creaminess and helps create a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups or 300g): Provides sweetness and helps with spread and texture.
• Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds moisture for a perfect bite.
• Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Gives a bright, natural tanginess that wakes up the cookies.
• Fine lemon zest (1 tablespoon, plus extra for coating): Delivers intense lemon aroma and vibrant color.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to balance the citrus notes.
• Granulated sugar for coating (1/2 cup or 100g): Creates a sparkling, sweet exterior with a slight crunch.

How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe for Sweet & Tangy Treats Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which helps your cookies bake evenly with a perfect texture from edge to center.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—usually 3 to 5 minutes. This step is vital as it incorporates air, giving your cookies their tender yet airy quality.

Step 3: Add Egg, Lemon Juice, Zest, and Vanilla

Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, then add the fresh lemon juice, finely grated lemon zest, and vanilla extract. These ingredients unite to amplify the bright, citrusy flavor and add a delicious complexity that makes each bite sing.

Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can cause tough cookies, so stop as soon as you no longer see flour.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two halves. Flatten each into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight if you can wait that long. Chilling helps develop flavor and makes the dough easier to roll and cut.

Step 6: Prepare Lemon Sugar Coating

While the dough chills, mix together the half cup of granulated sugar with two teaspoons of finely grated lemon zest. Rubbing the zest into the sugar releases oils and infuses the coating with lively lemon flavor and an irresistible sparkle.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure easy cookie removal and even baking.

Step 8: Roll and Cut Out Cookies

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create dazzling shapes that match your mood or occasion.

Step 9: Coat with Lemon Sugar

Dip each cutout cookie into the lemon sugar mixture, coating both sides evenly. Gently press the sugar so it adheres firmly, then place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets about two inches apart to allow for slight spreading in the oven.

Step 10: Bake

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges turn a soft golden brown. Keep a close eye here – you want that delicate crisp edge without losing the tender center.

Step 11: Cool

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling phase locks in their perfect texture.

Step 12: Repeat

Repeat the rolling, cutting, coating, and baking with the remaining dough, and before you know it, you’ll have a whole batch of sunshine-filled lemon sugar cookies ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe for Sweet & Tangy Treats Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin drizzle of white chocolate adds extra charm and sweetness to your lemon sugar cookies. Fresh edible flowers or thin lemon slices on the side can elevate the presentation for parties and special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a refreshing mint tea or a zesty lemonade to complement the citrus notes. A dollop of whipped cream or a small bowl of mixed berries makes a delightful counterpoint to the cookie’s buttery richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your lemon sugar cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board or arranged in pretty pastel tins for gifting. You can also sandwich two cookies together with lemon curd or cream cheese frosting for a luscious twist on the classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled lemon sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keep them away from humidity to maintain their crisp edges and tender centers.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container and keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To refresh the cookies’ just-baked taste, warm them in a low oven (300°F or 150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This step helps revive their crisp edges and melty centers beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While fresh lemon juice provides the brightest, most vibrant flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just be sure it’s 100% lemon juice with no added sugars or preservatives for the best results.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries! You can cream the butter and sugar by hand using a sturdy wooden spoon or hand-held mixer. It might take a bit more elbow grease, but the results will be just as delicious.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make gluten-free lemon sugar cookies, try using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, and check that your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Proper chilling of the dough is key to controlling spread. Make sure to chill the dough for at least two hours or overnight. Also, avoid using over-softened butter to help maintain their shape.

Can I substitute lemon zest with lime or orange zest?

Absolutely! Using lime or orange zest will impart a different citrus flavor but will still give you that delightful sweet and tangy treat. Feel free to experiment with what you love.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe for Sweet & Tangy Treats Recipe is truly a labor of love that rewards you with irresistible, bright, and buttery cookies perfect for any occasion. I’m so excited for you to give this recipe a try because once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed a cookie without that magical burst of lemon zing. Happy baking and even happier tasting!

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