Lemon Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of sugar cookies with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemon. These cookies are soft, chewy, and topped with a tangy glaze that makes them simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want something to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the refreshing taste of lemons. The cookies are easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients. Plus, they are a wonderful way to brighten up your day or impress guests at a gathering. The sweet and tangy balance makes these cookies a lovely addition to any dessert table.
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies
Making Lemon Sugar Cookies is quick and straightforward. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies ready to enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for glazing
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth and drizzle it over the cooled cookies.
How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies
Lemon Sugar Cookies can be served warm or at room temperature. They are perfect for parties, picnics, or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea. You can even package them in a lovely box as a homemade gift for friends and family!
How to Store Lemon Sugar Cookies
To keep your Lemon Sugar Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper in the container to prevent sticking.
Tips to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the dough; just combine until you see no more flour.
- Let the cookies cool a bit before glazing for a smoother finish.
Variation
If you want to try something different, consider adding poppy seeds to the dough for extra texture. You can also add a little bit of vanilla extract for a warm flavor that complements the lemon.
FAQs
1. Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?
Yes, you can use lemon extract if you don’t have fresh lemons. Use about 1 teaspoon of lemon extract, but reduce the amount of lemon juice slightly.
2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just let it soften slightly before scooping out onto the baking sheets.
3. What if I can’t find lemon zest?
If you don’t have lemon zest, you can skip it. The lemon juice will still give the cookies their delicious flavor, but the zest adds a nice brightness to the taste and aroma.
Lemon Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- ¾ cup butter, softened Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature.
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest Freshly grated is best.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
For the Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar For glazing the cookies.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
Baking
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth and drizzle it over the cooled cookies.
