There’s something magical about Lemon Sugar Cookies that makes them irresistible. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie bursting with zesty lemon flavor and a delicate sweetness that dances on your taste buds. The aroma wafting from the oven is enough to make anyone weak in the knees, filling your kitchen with sunshine even on the cloudiest of days.

These cookies are not just a treat; they are a ticket to nostalgia, reminding me of summer picnics where laughter echoed and every bite was a moment to savor. Whether you whip them up for a family gathering or just because it’s Tuesday, these Lemon Sugar Cookies will have everyone asking for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Lemon Sugar Cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for any baking novice
- Their vibrant flavor profile combines zesty lemon with sweet sugar for a delightful balance
- Visually appealing, they feature a lovely golden hue that brightens any dessert table
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, they make an excellent addition to potlucks or holiday gatherings
Baking these cookies has brought countless smiles from my family during cozy evenings spent together at home.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture and structure in your cookies.
Baking Powder: This ingredient gives the cookies their fluffy texture; don’t skip it!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is essential for sweetness and that lovely crackly top.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter provides richness; let it sit at room temperature before using.
Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: Freshness is key here; bottled juice just won’t cut it!
Eggs: One large egg helps bind everything together beautifully.
Vanilla Extract: Just a dash enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
Salt: A pinch balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on the counter. This makes the process smooth and enjoyable as you bake with confidence.
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and develop that perfect golden crust.
Create the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and zest while mixing until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually blend this mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing!
Scoop and Shape Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Leave enough space between each cookie for spreading during baking.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Allow cooling on the baking sheet before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Enjoy every bite of these tangy Lemon Sugar Cookies! They’ll become your new favorite go-to treat for any occasion.
You Must Know
- Lemon sugar cookies are not just delicious; they bring a burst of sunshine to your day
- These cookies are perfect for any occasion, providing a delightful aroma and a refreshing taste that brightens up your dessert table
- Ideal for sharing, but you might want to keep some for yourself!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by creaming butter and sugar together until fluffy, then add in the lemon zest and juice before mixing in dry ingredients to ensure even distribution of flavor.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits like lime or orange for a unique twist. Adding a pinch of sea salt can enhance the flavor profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store your lemon sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For maximum freshness, you can freeze them for longer storage.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- These lemon sugar cookies shine with their zesty flavor; don’t skimp on the lemon zest!
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming, creating that light texture we all crave
- A little sprinkle of powdered sugar on top will elevate their appearance and taste!
I once made these lemon sugar cookies for a family gathering and nearly caused a cookie stampede. Everyone kept asking for the recipe—it felt like I was at a cookie convention!

FAQ
How do I make my lemon sugar cookies chewier?
For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and let them rest on the baking sheet.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh is best, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch but lacks vibrant flavor.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
Consider adding almond extract or vanilla extract for depth in flavor alongside lemons.

Lemon Sugar Cookies
Lemon Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a burst of sunshine to your day. These soft, chewy cookies are infused with vibrant lemon flavor and balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for any occasion, they fill your kitchen with a refreshing aroma, making them irresistible to everyone who tries them. Enjoy these cookies at family gatherings, picnics, or simply as an everyday indulgence.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and zest; mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually blend this into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Cool on baking sheets before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg






