Name: Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups (345 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon lemon extract (optional, for extra lemon flavor); 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar; ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar (for rolling)

Soft, buttery lemon sugar cookies dance with zesty brightness and sweet charm.

Citrus notes bring unexpected joy to classic cookie traditions.

Home bakers adore these delightful treats that spark conversation and delight taste buds.

Whispers of lemon weave through each tender, crumbly bite.

Memories of sunshine emerge with every delicate morsel.

Simple ingredients combine to create magic in your kitchen.

You’ll want to share these irresistible cookies with everyone you know.

Tips to Get That Crinkle in Lemon Sugar Cookies

Chill for Better Texture: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and creates a more uniform cookie shape during baking.
Zest Matters: Use fresh lemon zest for maximum flavor intensity- the more fragrant the zest, the brighter the cookie's taste will be.
Gentle Mixing Technique: Mix dry ingredients just until combined to avoid tough cookies; overmixing can develop excess gluten and make cookies dense.
Store Smartly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness and prevent them from drying out quickly.
Customize Extracts: Experiment with adding lemon extract for an extra citrusy punch or swap with orange zest for a different flavor profile.

Keeping Lemon Sugar Cookies Tasty All Week

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They'll stay fresh for 5-7 days.
Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
Remove cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, restoring their delightful texture.
Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 300F oven for 2-3 minutes to recreate that fresh-baked warmth.

What Drinks Work With Lemon Sugar Cookies

The delicate, floral notes of chamomile complement the zesty lemon flavor, creating a refreshing and soothing combination that enhances the cookie's light texture.
Serve alongside a small scoop of homemade lemon sorbet to amplify the citrus profile and provide a cool, palate-cleansing contrast to the sweet cookie.
The subtle lavender and smooth honey in this warm drink beautifully balance the tangy lemon, offering a sophisticated and harmonious flavor experience that elevates the cookie's taste.
Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc with citrus undertones to echo the lemon's brightness and cut through the cookie's sweetness, creating a delightful adult dessert moment.

Unique Takes on Traditional Lemon Sugar Cookies

Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour to create a tender, allergen-friendly cookie perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Citrus Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and ensure all extracts are plant-based for a completely dairy-free and egg-free version.
Low-Sugar Lemon Treats: Use a monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend in place of granulated sugar, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining the bright, zesty lemon flavor.
Keto-Friendly Lemon Cookies: Swap traditional flour with almond flour or coconut flour, use a sugar substitute like erythritol, and add extra lemon zest to boost flavor while keeping carbohydrates low.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lemon juice without added preservatives.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly golden edges and soft centers. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake them. They should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling helps prevent spreading and allows the flavors to meld. It also makes the dough easier to handle and roll into balls. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the cookies might spread more.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! You can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. Just roll them in sugar before freezing and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Zesty and Bright: The Appeal of Lemon Sugar Cookies

Quick and Delightful Lemon Cookies
Whip up these cookies with simple ingredients and basic baking skills, perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers looking for a hassle-free treat.
Infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, these cookies deliver a bright, tangy flavor that instantly lifts your mood and adds a refreshing twist to traditional sugar cookies.
Soft, sweet, and irresistibly light, these cookies appeal to both kids and adults, making them ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual afternoon snacks.
Easily prepare the dough in advance and chill, allowing for convenient baking when you're ready, or store baked cookies for up to 5 days in an airtight container for spontaneous treat moments.

A Quick Look at Lemon Sugar Cookies Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the cookie's texture.
Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and create a light, tender crumb.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender, soft cookie texture.
Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.

Flavor Enhancers:

Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Brings bright, citrusy flavor to the cookies.
Vanilla Extract, Lemon Extract: Adds depth and intensifies the lemon taste.

How to Whip Up Lemon Sugar Cookies From Scratch

Step 1: Prep Baking Station

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Crank up the oven to 350F (175C).

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together in a medium bowl:

Flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt

Set this magical powder mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud of deliciousness.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Toss in:

Egg
Lemon zest
Lemon juice
Vanilla extract
Lemon extract

Blend until silky smooth.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix!

Step 6: Chill Dough

Pop the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps create perfect cookie texture.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Roll dough into cute little balls, then give them a generous sugar bath by rolling in granulated sugar.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Spread cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges look set but centers remain soft.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Devour warm or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Fusion Cuisine Development
Recipe Development and Food Styling
Culinary Writing and Content Creation
Nutrition and Healthy Cooking

Education

Culinary Institute of America

Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation.

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression.

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.