Introduction
Lemon sugar cookies are the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, bringing a burst of sunshine to your day. Soft, chewy, and infused with fresh lemony goodness, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this delightful treat will brighten any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each dough ball gently with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- For a fun twist, add a sprinkle of sea salt before baking.
Cooking Techniques
To achieve the perfect cookie texture, be sure to cream the butter and sugars well until light and fluffy. This creates the ideal base for a soft and chewy cookie. Additionally, don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients; mixing just until combined will help maintain that delightful texture.
FAQ
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, but omit the added salt in the recipe.
- How can I make these cookies gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to three months; just thaw and bake when ready.
Conclusion
These lemon sugar cookies are a wonderful addition to any cookie platter or simply as a sweet treat for yourself. With their sunny flavor and delightful texture, they’re bound to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every bite of this citrusy delight!