lemon sugar cookies
Lemon Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and sweet, with a slightly citrusy flavor that makes them refreshing and delicious. They taste like a classic sugar cookie, but with a hint of lemon zest and juice that adds a special touch to every bite. These cookies are perfect for those who love a balance between sweet and tangy flavors. Enjoyed by both young and old, they’re not too tart, but have just enough lemon to add a refreshing and invigorating taste.

Try Lemon Sugar Cookies
If you love soft and delicious cookies, lemon sugar cookies are a must-have. They’re quick to make, don’t require any fancy ingredients, and can be ready in less than an hour. Best of all, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for beginners, so even if you’re a baking novice, you can make them successfully and with ease.
These cookies are a great way to add a touch of joy to your day. The tangy lemon flavor makes them refreshing, especially in spring and summer. They can also be baked for holidays, picnics, or school lunches. Once you taste them, you’ll want to bake them again and again because they’re light, sweet, and fun to share.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for lemon sugar cookies
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this lemon sugar cookies
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup sugar for rolling dough before baking
How to Make lemon sugar cookies
Step One
The first thing you need to do is preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step Two
Second: Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.
Step Three
Now, cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the eggs and flavorings: Beat the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
Step Four
Mix the wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until fully combined. Don’t overmix, or the cookies may become tough. Next, shape the dough: Form the dough into small balls about 1 tablespoon each. Roll each ball in the excess sugar until the cookies are glossy.
Step Five
Now, it’s time to bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown while the insides remain soft.

Step Six
Finally, cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or save them for later.
Kitchen Equipment Needed :
Before starting, make sure you have the following items:
- Mixing bowls one large, one medium
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling rack
Tips for Baking Lemon Sugar Cookies
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
Soften the butter at room temperature don’t melt it.
Don’t skip rolling the dough in sugar; it gives the cookies a nice crunch.
Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it feels too sticky to roll.
Serving Suggestion
I like to serve this cookie with Smoothie or Mojito drinks, and I like to take it with me on outings. It is perfect for picnics, and sometimes my children ask me to put it in their school lunch box.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice ?
Yes, but fresh lemon juice gives the cookies a brighter, fresher flavor.
Do I really need lemon zest ?
Yes, the zest adds a stronger lemon taste. Without it, the cookies may taste less lemony.
Can I freeze lemon sugar cookies ?
Yes! You can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months or freeze the dough balls to bake later.
Can I make them gluten-free ?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend
lemon sugar cookies
Course: Dessert, SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy24
servings15
minutes10
minutes120
kcalSoft, chewy, and lightly sweet with a refreshing citrus twist, these lemon sugar cookies are quick to bake and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
¼ cup sugar for rolling dough before baking
Directions
- The first thing you need to do is preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Second: Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.
- Now, cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the eggs and flavorings: Beat the eggs, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until fully combined. Don't overmix, or the cookies may become tough. Next, shape the dough: Form the dough into small balls about 1 tablespoon each. Roll each ball in the excess sugar until the cookies are glossy.
- Now, it's time to bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown while the insides remain soft.
- Finally, cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or save them for later.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons Fresh lemon juice and zest give the cookies the best flavor
- Don’t melt the butter Use softened butter for the right texture.
- Measure flour correctly Spoon and level flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dry cookies.
- Roll in sugar generously This gives the cookies a crunchy, sparkly coating.
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