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Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

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3.8 from 7 reviews

Delight in the bright, tangy flavor of these lemon sugar cookies, made with fresh lemon zest and juice for a refreshing twist on a classic treat. Perfectly soft with a hint of citrus, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake, ideal for any occasion or a sweet snack.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

For Optional Garnishes:

  • Granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy to create a smooth base for the dough.
  2. Add Flavorings: Incorporate 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the zest of one large lemon into the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly until well combined to infuse flavor and moisture.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until a cohesive dough forms.
  4. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to improve texture and make handling easier during shaping.
  5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
  6. Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Optionally, roll each dough ball in granulated sugar before placing it on the sheet for extra sparkle.
  7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn slightly golden. The centers may still appear soft but will firm up as they cool.
  8. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • Using room temperature butter helps achieve a better creamed texture with sugar.
  • Chilling the dough is important to prevent spreading during baking and enhance texture.
  • Fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the flavor significantly compared to dried substitutes.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/lemon-sugar-cookies-recipe/