Are you looking for the perfect lemon cookie recipe? These soft and chewy lemon cookies are bursting with fresh citrus flavor and are easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create delicious cookies that are ideal for any occasion. Save this recipe for a refreshing treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature (1 cup or 230 grams)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
- 3 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (360 grams)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup sugar (50 grams) for rolling cookies
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter, sugar, and lemon zest for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the lemon juice and egg, and mix until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix with a spatula by hand until the dough is fully combined.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place ¼ cup of sugar in a small bowl for rolling the cookie dough balls.
- Form the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to form dough balls. Roll each ball in the sugar and place them 2 inches apart on a silicone-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 11-13 minutes or until the edges have a slight golden color.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Why This Recipe is the Best
These soft and chewy lemon cookies are bursting with fresh citrus flavor, making them the perfect treat for lemon lovers. The combination of butter, sugar, and zesty lemon creates a deliciously refreshing cookie that is easy to make and sure to impress.
Lemon Cookie Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature (1 cup or 230 grams)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
- 3 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (360 grams)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup sugar (50 grams) for rolling cookies
Lemon Cookie Recipe Variations
- Add-Ins: Try adding white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or macadamia nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Icing: Drizzle a lemon glaze over cooled cookies for added sweetness and a beautiful finish.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How to Make Lemon Cookies
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, and lemon zest until fluffy. Add lemon juice and egg, mixing until combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until a dough forms. Chill the dough for 30-60 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into balls, coat in sugar, and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on a rack.
Time Required
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30-60 minutes
- Baking Time: 11-13 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
How to Store Lemon Sugar Cookies
Store lemon cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips for Making Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Don’t overbake; cookies should be soft when they come out of the oven.
Lemon Cookies Recipe FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
What can I do if my cookies are too flat?
Make sure to chill the dough properly and ensure your baking soda is fresh to help cookies rise.
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