Soft Zesty Lemon Sugar Cookies
These soft zesty lemon sugar cookies feature a tender, chewy center with a bright lemon flavor, perfect for any occasion and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups (312 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups (250 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- Zest of 2 lemons (use unwaxed lemons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: extra granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the lemon zest and vanilla extract.
- Add the fresh lemon juice and mix to combine.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Optionally, roll each ball in extra granulated sugar.
- Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chilling the dough is essential for a chewy center and neat edges. Use fresh lemon zest for best flavor. Pull cookies out when centers look slightly underbaked to avoid dry texture. Dough can be refrigerated up to 48 hours before baking. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and egg replacers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Protein: 2
Keywords: lemon sugar cookies, soft cookies, chewy lemon cookies, easy lemon cookies, zesty lemon cookies, lemon dessert, homemade cookies