If you have a craving for something that’s both delightfully sweet and refreshingly zesty, this Soft Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten your day. These cookies strike the perfect balance between a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a lively lemon flavor that dances on your tongue. Soft, chewy, and coated in a sparkling sugar crust, these cookies are incredibly simple to make but truly impressive in taste—perfect for sharing with friends, gifting during the holidays, or just sneaking a few for yourself with a nice cup of tea or lemonade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with your Soft Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is a breeze because each ingredient plays an essential role in building flavor, texture, and that gorgeous golden color. The combination is simple but powerful, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced with buttery softness and lemon brightness.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base giving structure to these tender cookies without weighing them down.
- Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents help the cookies rise just right for soft chewiness.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the citrus notes.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a slight crunch on the outside.
- Egg: Binds all ingredients while contributing to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- Fresh lemon juice: The soul of the recipe, lending that unmistakable citrus zing.
- Lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with fragrant oils from the peel.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the bright citrus notes.
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling: Creates a sparkling sugary coating for an irresistible first bite.
How to Make Soft Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. This ensures that the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed for consistent texture and flavor throughout your cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process takes about 2 to 3 minutes and is crucial for developing the airy and tender crumb you want in soft lemon sugar cookies.
Step 3: Add the Flavor Boosters
Mix in the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract into your creamed butter and sugar mixture. The fresh lemon juice and zest bring vibrant citrus flavor that makes these cookies unforgettable.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as everything is combined to keep the cookies tender and soft.
Step 5: Shape and Sugar Coat
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into smooth balls, and then roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar. This sugar coating adds a delightful crunch and a sparkling finish that looks lovely once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the cookie dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake at 350°F for 9 to 11 minutes. The edges should look just set while the centers remain slightly underbaked to keep the cookies soft.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This gentle cooling period lets the cookies finish baking gently and sets their tender texture perfectly.
How to Serve Soft Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Soft Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe with a drizzle of simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and tang that makes each bite feel extra special. You can also sprinkle a bit of finely grated lemon zest on top for a fresh, zesty appearance and aroma.
Side Dishes
These lemon sugar cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of drinks and accompaniments. Serve alongside a hot cup of Earl Grey tea, a refreshing glass of iced herbal tea, or even a tart lemonade for a bright, citrus-forward flavor experience. For a more indulgent treat, have them with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of lemon sorbet.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at your next gathering? Stack Soft Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe in a decorative jar layered with lemon candies or ribbon-tied cookie boxes as charming gifts. You can also sandwich a tangy lemon curd or sweet cream cheese frosting between two cookies to turn this soft cookie into a delectable lemon cookie sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Soft Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe fresh for several days by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. This prevents them from drying out and preserves their soft, chewy texture. Adding a slice of bread inside the container can help maintain moisture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for that just-baked soft texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your Soft Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe warm and soft, gently reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This revives their tender crumb and fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice and zest?
While lemon extract can provide lemon flavor, fresh lemon juice and zest add a more vibrant and natural citrus note that makes these cookies truly shine. Using fresh ingredients is highly recommended for the best results.
How do I keep these cookies soft for longer?
Storing your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread helps retain moisture and softness. Also, avoid overbaking; pull them out when edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to replicate the texture.
What is the best way to get an intense lemon flavor?
Add extra lemon zest or even a lemon glaze drizzle after baking. The zest contains essential oils that elevate the citrus aroma and taste beautifully.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a cookie that’s soft, sweet, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor—this Soft Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe nails it every time. Whether baking for yourself or to impress friends, these cookies deliver happiness in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover how simple ingredients come together to make something so wonderfully delicious!
Print
Soft Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft Lemon Sugar Cookies are tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats bursting with fresh citrus flavor. These easy-to-make cookies combine a delicate lemon zest and juice with a buttery dough rolled in sugar, resulting in a perfectly soft texture and a delightful tangy sweetness. Ideal for dessert or a sweet snack, they stay fresh and soft for days when stored properly.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling
- ½ cup extra granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures proper leavening and seasoning throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step incorporates air for lighter cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the large egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined, infusing the dough with bright citrus flavor and richness.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
- Form Cookie Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a smooth ball. Then, roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar to create a sweet, crisp coating once baked.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers appear slightly underbaked. This ensures a soft, chewy texture.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft for several days.
- To enhance texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if time allows.
