Lemon Sugar Cookies: A Zesty Twist on a Classic Treat
Are you ready to bake up a batch of sunshine? These lemon sugar cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, offering a refreshing twist on a classic cookie recipe. Their bright, zesty flavor and delicate texture make them ideal for any occasion, from casual weeknight treats to elegant tea parties. This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner bakers, and delivers consistently delicious results. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful cookies!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Zesty Lemon Flavor: The bright, citrusy flavor of lemon adds a refreshing twist to the classic sugar cookie.
- Delicate Texture: These cookies have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Versatile: These cookies are great on their own or paired with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or even a scoop of ice cream.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: Sugar for rolling cookies, lemon glaze (recipe below)
Instructions: Baking Your Lemon Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The lemon zest adds a wonderful aromatic dimension, while the lemon juice enhances the flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape your cookies, and place them on ungreased baking sheets. For extra sweetness and texture, roll the cut cookies in granulated sugar before baking.
Step 6: Baking Time
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Lemon Glaze
For an extra touch of lemony goodness, try this simple glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
Whisk together until smooth, adding more lemon juice if needed to reach desired consistency. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and ensures a better texture.
- Use fresh lemon: Freshly zested lemon provides the brightest and most flavorful results.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup.
These lemon sugar cookies are a delightful treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy baking and sharing these sunshine-filled cookies! Remember to share your baking creations using #lemonsugarcookies. Happy baking!
