Lemon Sugar Cookies – Soft, Chewy, and Bursting with Fresh Lemon Flavor

If you love cookies with a light, refreshing twist, then Lemon Sugar Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. These soft, chewy cookies are rolled in sugar for that classic sparkle but infused with real lemon zest and juice for a zesty brightness that’s impossible to resist.

Perfect for spring gatherings, summer picnics, afternoon tea, or even holiday cookie trays, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser all year round. Whether you’re a lemon lover or just looking for something different from the usual chocolate chip, this recipe will win your heart.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• Why lemon sugar cookies are so irresistible
• The best ingredients for maximum lemon flavor
• Step-by-step instructions to make them perfectly every time
• Storage and freezing tips
• Creative variations to try
• FAQs and troubleshooting tips

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Why Lemon Sugar Cookies Are So Popular

While classic sugar cookies are always a hit, adding lemon elevates them into something brighter, fresher, and more unique.

Here’s why people love them:

1. Sweet and Tart Balance – The sugar provides sweetness while lemon juice and zest add a gentle tartness.
2. Soft, Chewy Texture – With the right baking method, they stay soft for days.
3. Beautiful Presentation – Rolled in sugar, they have a sparkly, bakery-style finish.
4. Versatile Flavor – Works for both casual snacking and elegant occasions.

These cookies aren’t just for lemon enthusiasts — even chocolate lovers tend to reach for “just one more.”

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Ingredients for Lemon Sugar Cookies

For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest (from 2 large lemons)
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

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Ingredient Tips for Maximum Lemon Flavor

• Fresh Lemon Zest is Key – The zest contains natural lemon oils that provide intense flavor without extra acidity. Always zest before juicing the lemon.
• Room-Temperature Butter & Egg – Helps the ingredients blend smoothly, creating a consistent dough.
• Extra Sugar for Rolling – This not only adds sweetness but also creates a delicate crunch on the outside.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step adds air to the dough for a softer cookie.

4. Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Lemon

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled from the lemon juice — this is normal.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this can make cookies tough.

6. Shape and Roll

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.

7. Bake

Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked.

8. Cool

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

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Tips for Perfect Lemon Sugar Cookies

• Don’t Overbake – Pull them out when the edges are just set; they’ll stay soft and chewy.
• Chill Dough if Needed – If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the dough for 20–30 minutes before rolling.
• Double Zest for Extra Lemon Punch – If you want a more intense citrus flavor, add another tablespoon of zest.

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How to Store Lemon Sugar Cookies

Room Temperature:
Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place a slice of bread inside the container to maintain softness.

Freezing Dough:
Roll dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.

Freezing Baked Cookies:
Cool completely, then freeze in layers with parchment paper between them. Thaw at room temperature.

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Variations to Try

1. Lemon-Glazed Sugar Cookies – Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
2. Lavender Lemon Cookies – Add ½ tsp culinary lavender to the dough for a floral touch.
3. White Chocolate Lemon Cookies – Mix in ½ cup white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
4. Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies – Add 1 tbsp poppy seeds for crunch and visual appeal.

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Serving Ideas

• Afternoon Tea – Pair with hot tea or iced tea for a light snack.
• Spring & Summer Parties – Perfect for baby showers, bridal showers, or garden gatherings.
• Holiday Cookie Platters – Add variety to Christmas or Easter cookie spreads.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Cookies Spread Too Much – Dough may have been too warm; chill it before baking.
• Not Enough Lemon Flavor – Use more zest and fresh juice; avoid bottled lemon juice.
• Dry or Crumbly Cookies – Too much flour or overbaking can cause dryness.

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Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

(Approximate, based on 24 cookies)

• Calories: 135
• Fat: 6g
• Carbs: 19g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 1g

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Final Thoughts

These Lemon Sugar Cookies are everything you want in a sweet treat — soft, chewy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough for special occasions. Whether you enjoy them with tea, serve them at parties, or keep a stash in your cookie jar, they’ll bring sunshine to every bite.

If you’re ready to brighten your dessert game, grab some lemons and start baking — you’ll be hooked after the first batch.

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