Description

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)

Instructions

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.

Notes

Serving Suggestions:

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.
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.
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.
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:

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.
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.
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.
Layering Cookies: When storing cookies in a container, place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together and maintain their shape.