These Lemon Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat with a refreshing lemon flavor and a soft, chewy texture. Perfect for any occasion or just a sweet pick-me-up!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest with a mixer for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add Lemon and Egg: Mix in the fresh lemon juice and egg until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the mixture. Mix by hand until combined.
2. Chill the Dough
- Refrigerate: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to firm it up and make it easier to handle.
3. Bake the Cookies
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- Shape Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in granulated sugar. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
- Lemon Zest: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon zest.
- Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but if you use salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/8 tsp.
2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Shape it into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
3. How should I store the cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Enjoy your Lemon Sugar Cookies with a cup of tea or as a sweet treat any time of day!