The moment you take a bite of these Lemon Sugar Cookies, your taste buds will be dancing like they just heard their favorite song. Imagine the zing of fresh lemons blending seamlessly with the sweet, soft texture of cookies that practically melt in your mouth. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking if you’ve just unlocked the secret to happiness.
These cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience. Picture baking them on a sunny afternoon, with laughter filling the air as family and friends gather around. They make any gathering special—from birthday parties to quiet evenings at home, promising joy with every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Lemon Sugar Cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any skill level in the kitchen
- Their bright and refreshing flavor profile adds a delightful twist to traditional cookies
- With their beautiful golden edges and soft centers, they look as good as they taste
- Versatile enough for any occasion, these cookies will impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth anytime
I remember the first time I made these cookies; my friends devoured them within minutes and asked for more, leaving me feeling like a baking superstar.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: A staple in most kitchens; sift it for lighter cookies.
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Sugar: Use granulated sugar for sweetness; it helps create that classic cookie crunch.
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Baking Powder: This magical ingredient gives your cookies that perfect rise.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all those lovely flavors.
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Unsalted Butter: Softened butter provides richness, so let it sit out before mixing.
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Fresh Lemons: Zest and juice for a bright citrus kick; choose firm lemons for maximum flavor.
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Eggs: Essential for binding; use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and depth to the cookie flavor.
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Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top; it adds a beautiful finish and extra sweetness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Dough: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you mix your dry ingredients. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale—about 2-3 minutes. This step creates that light texture we love!
Add Eggs and Flavorings: Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The mixture should smell heavenly at this point!
Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep those cookies tender.
Scoop and Shape Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough onto lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten them slightly with your fingertips.
Bake Your Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but centers remain soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to wire racks.
Now you have perfectly baked Lemon Sugar Cookies that are ready to bring smiles! Enjoy them warm or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence.
These delightful treats will surely become a family favorite—perfectly sweet with just enough zing!
You Must Know
- Lemon sugar cookies are a delightful treat that combines zest and sweetness
- The bright lemon flavor bursts through, making them perfect for any occasion
- Plus, they are super easy to make and can be customized with glaze or icing for an extra special touch
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar before adding dry ingredients. This ensures a light texture, making your cookies melt in your mouth.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out lemon zest for lime or orange for a unique twist. Adding white chocolate chips will also elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To refresh them, pop in the microwave for 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For best results, chill the dough before baking to enhance texture and flavor
- Use fresh lemons for maximum zestiness; bottled juice lacks vibrancy
- Avoid overbaking; golden edges indicate perfect doneness while keeping centers soft and chewy
Sharing my first batch of lemon sugar cookies was a memorable moment; everyone loved them, and I felt like a baking superstar!

FAQ
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Using margarine can alter the texture but works as an alternative if needed.
How do I make my cookies softer?
For softer cookies, slightly underbake them and ensure proper measurements of ingredients.
Can I freeze lemon sugar cookie dough?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months for future baking fun!
Lemon Sugar Cookies
Lemon Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that bursts with fresh lemon flavor and sweet, soft texture. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies will brighten your day and impress your guests. With easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a batch in no time, creating an unforgettable baking experience filled with smiles and laughter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- Zest and juice of 2 fresh lemons
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, followed by lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart; flatten slightly with fingertips.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Cool before transferring to wire racks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg


