Introduction
There’s something irresistibly delightful about the scent of fresh, lemony cookies wafting through your kitchen. These Lemon Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat, bursting with zesty citrus flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will leave you craving just one more. Ideal for a sunny afternoon or a sweet addition to a gathering, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and warm for baking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This will be your dry mixture, and setting it aside will ensure an even blend.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and luscious, with a light color.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice, beating until all these delightful flavors are well combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined — you want to avoid overmixing to keep those cookies tender!
- Using rounded tablespoons, drop the dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, ensuring there’s about 2 inches of space between each dollop to allow for spreading.
- Pop the cookie sheets into your preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are a lovely, light golden brown.
- Once they’re ready, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- When the cookies are fully cooled, give them a light dusting with powdered sugar — this simple touch elevates each bite to pure bliss!
Notes or Tips
For an extra burst of lemon flavor, consider adding a touch more zest or a splash of lemon juice. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of white sugar slightly. These cookies also freeze beautifully, so feel free to double the batch and save some for later!
Cooking Techniques
When creaming the butter and sugar, make sure to beat them until they resemble a fluffy cloud. This process incorporates air into the mixture, helping your cookies rise beautifully. Remember to monitor your baking cookies closely, as ovens can vary; you want them to be golden on the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience!
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, if using salted butter, simply omit the added salt in the recipe.
How should I store the cookies? Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Conclusion
These Lemon Sugar Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, creating a delightful treat that will brighten any day. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or shared with friends, each bite promises a burst of flavor that is simply unforgettable. Happy baking!