Lemon Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that bring a burst of sunshine to any occasion. These cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Ideal for spring holidays, summer picnics, or simply a sweet afternoon snack, these cookies are incredibly easy to make with just a few pantry staples and fresh lemons. Plus, they’re simple to freeze, making them a convenient option for future cravings.
Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 3 lemons (divided: zest from 2 lemons for the dough, zest from 1 lemon for rolling)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture helps to ensure that your cookies have a consistent texture and rise evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the butter and sugar mixture, add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix well until combined. Then, fold in the lemon zest from 2 of the lemons. This will give the dough its vibrant lemon flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently after each addition. This ensures that the dough comes together smoothly without overworking it.
- Prepare Lemon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with the zest from the remaining lemon. This lemon sugar coating will add a burst of citrusy sweetness to the cookies.
- Form and Roll Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion the dough into balls. Roll each ball in the lemon sugar mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes. The cookies are done when their tops are no longer wet and cracks begin to form. They should be just slightly golden around the edges.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This will help them set before transferring them to a cooling rack or wax paper to cool completely.
- Store: Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can also be frozen for later enjoyment.
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
- Calories: 141 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 27 mg
- Sodium: 51 mg
- Potassium: 34 mg
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Vitamin A: 245 IU
- Vitamin C: 0.5 mg
- Calcium: 12 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
Conclusion :
These Easy Homemade Lemon Sugar Cookies are a perfect way to brighten up any day with their cheerful lemon flavor. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the delightful taste of fresh lemon, makes them a go-to choice for various occasions. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just looking for a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later—either way, these lemony delights are bound to be a hit!
Source of the picture : Kitchen Crafty Fun
