Lemon Sugar Cookies (Print)

Buttery sugar cookies infused with fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright, citrusy treat.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
06 - 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For Rolling

10 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - Beat the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
04 - Beat in the lemon zest, egg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
06 - Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll each in the extra sugar to coat evenly.
07 - Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
08 - Bake for 9-11 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are just set.
09 - Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The texture walks this perfect line between crisp edges and chewy centers that keeps everyone reaching for just one more
  • Fresh lemon zest transforms an ordinary treat into something that feels like a tiny celebration on a plate
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients make or break this dough, so plan ahead and let everything sit out for at least an hour
  • Overbaking is the enemy, checking at the 9-minute mark because these continue cooking on the hot baking sheet
03 -
  • Microplane zesters capture more of those precious aromatic oils than box graters, making every strand count
  • Rolling dough balls in slightly larger-grained decorating sugar creates an extra sparkly finish that wows everyone

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