Lemon Sugar Cookies

by

Indulge in the zesty and refreshing flavors of our Lemon Sugar Cookies recipe. Bursting with citrusy goodness, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. With a perfect balance of tangy lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and sweet sugar, each bite is a burst of sunshine in your mouth.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 3 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup sugar (for rolling)

Directions:

1. Mixing the Dough:

  • In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest with a mixer for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.

2. Adding Wet Ingredients:

  • Add the fresh lemon juice and egg to the butter mixture, and mix well until fully combined.

3. Incorporating Dry Ingredients:

  • Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing by hand until a soft dough forms and all ingredients are well combined.

4. Chilling the Dough:

  • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to firm up. Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking and enhances the flavor.

5. Preparing for Baking:

  • Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place the ¼ cup of sugar in a shallow bowl for rolling.

6. Shaping and Rolling:

  • Scoop out portions of the chilled dough and roll them into small balls. Roll each dough ball in the sugar until coated evenly.

7. Baking the Cookies:

  • Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

8. Cooling and Serving:

  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy these delightful Lemon Sugar Cookies with a glass of cold milk or your favorite hot beverage.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Suggestions:

  1. Freshly Baked Delight: Serve these Lemon Sugar Cookies warm from the oven for the ultimate indulgence. The aroma of freshly baked cookies will entice everyone around.
  2. Tea Time Treat: Pair these citrusy cookies with a cup of hot tea or herbal infusion for a relaxing afternoon break. The bright lemon flavor complements a variety of tea blends.
  3. Dessert Platter Addition: Arrange these cookies on a dessert platter alongside other sweet treats at parties or gatherings. Their vibrant appearance and refreshing flavor will make them a crowd favorite.
  4. Gift Giving: Package a batch of these cookies in a decorative tin or gift box tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, or as a token of appreciation.

Storage Tips:

  1. Room Temperature Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help keep the cookies soft and fresh.
  2. Freezing: These cookies freeze well, making them ideal for future cravings or unexpected guests. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
  3. Reheating: If stored cookies lose their freshness, you can revive them by briefly reheating them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes. This will help restore their texture and flavor.
  4. Layering Cookies: When storing cookies in a container, place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together and maintain their shape.

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the delightful flavor and texture of Lemon Sugar Cookies anytime, whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple moment of indulgence.

Variations :

  1. Lemon Glaze Drizzle: For an extra burst of lemon flavor and a touch of sweetness, drizzle cooled cookies with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
  2. Lemon Poppy Seed: Add poppy seeds to the cookie dough for a delightful crunch and visual appeal. The combination of lemon and poppy seed creates a classic flavor pairing.
  3. Lemon-Lavender: Infuse the cookies with the floral aroma of lavender by adding dried culinary lavender buds to the dough. The subtle hint of lavender complements the tangy lemon flavor beautifully.
  4. Lemon Cream Cheese: Incorporate cream cheese into the dough for a richer and creamier texture. The tanginess of the cream cheese enhances the lemon flavor and adds a luscious melt-in-your-mouth quality to the cookies.
  5. Lemon Shortbread: Transform the cookies into tender shortbread by increasing the butter and reducing the flour in the dough. The result is a delicate and crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
  6. Lemon Coconut: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist. The combination of lemon and coconut creates a refreshing flavor profile that’s perfect for summertime enjoyment.
  7. Lemon-Almond: Enhance the nutty flavor by incorporating almond extract into the dough along with the lemon zest and juice. The almond flavor complements the citrusy notes and adds depth to the cookies.
  8. Lemon Sandwich Cookies: Sandwich lemon curd or lemon-flavored frosting between two cookies to create irresistible lemon sandwich cookies. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a burst of lemon flavor with each bite.
  9. Lemon Shortbread Bars: Press the dough into a baking pan to create lemon shortbread bars. Once baked and cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles for easy serving and sharing.
  10. Lemon Thumbprint Cookies: Make an indentation in the center of each cookie before baking and fill it with lemon curd or your favorite citrus jam after baking for a deliciously fruity surprise in every bite.

Experiment with these variations to customize your Lemon Sugar Cookies and create unique flavor combinations that suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a classic citrusy twist or want to explore new flavor profiles, there’s a variation to delight every palate.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe?
    • Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to adjust the amount of additional salt added to the recipe to balance the overall saltiness.
  2. Can I substitute bottled lemon juice for fresh lemon juice?
    • While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute. However, be aware that bottled juice may have a slightly different taste.
  3. Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight?
    • Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow the dough to come to room temperature for easier scooping before baking.
  4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
    • Chilling the dough in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes before baking helps prevent excessive spreading. Additionally, using a silicone baking mat or parchment paper on the baking sheet can aid in even baking.
  5. Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
    • Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
  6. Can I omit the lemon zest if I don’t have it on hand?
    • While lemon zest adds flavor and aroma to the cookies, you can omit it if necessary. However, the cookies will have a milder lemon flavor without the zest.
  7. Can I use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat flour or almond flour?
    • Yes, you can experiment with different types of flour, but be aware that it may affect the texture and flavor of the cookies. Adjustments to the recipe may be needed.
  8. Can I make these cookies vegan-friendly?
    • Yes, you can use plant-based butter and an egg substitute such as a flax egg or applesauce to make vegan Lemon Sugar Cookies. Be sure to check that all ingredients, including the sugar, are vegan-friendly.
  9. Can I add additional mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit to the cookie dough?
    • Yes, you can customize the cookies by adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or other mix-ins to the dough. Just be mindful of how the additional ingredients may affect the texture and flavor of the cookies.
  10. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
    • Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies and thaw them as needed.

Treat yourself and your loved ones to the irresistible charm of Lemon Sugar Cookies. Whether enjoyed as a midday snack, dessert, or gift for someone special, these cookies are sure to brighten any day with their vibrant citrus flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Bake a batch today and savor the sweet taste of sunshine!