If you are looking for a bright, zesty treat that brings sunshine to your afternoon tea or a joyful finish to any meal, this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe is just what you need. Bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice, these cookies balance tangy citrus flavors with just the right touch of sweetness. Their delicate crumb, thanks to the blend of cornstarch and flour, makes every bite melt effortlessly in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to friends, or simply indulging at home, these lemon sugar cookies offer a simple yet unforgettable delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to baking perfect lemon sugar cookies. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s enhancing the flavor, helping with texture, or creating a beautiful golden color on your cookies.
- 2 eggs: They bind the dough and add richness for tender cookies.
- 60g (½ cup) sugar: This sweetens the dough and creates a light foundation for the lemon.
- 50 ml (3 tbsp.) lemon juice: Adds fresh, tangy brightness that makes these cookies uniquely vibrant.
- 30 ml (2 tbsp.) vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and soft without overpowering the lemon flavor.
- ½ lemon zest: Contributes aromatic oils that intensify the citrus flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, resulting in a perfect tender crumb.
- 210g (1 â…” cup) all-purpose flour: The base of your dough that gives structure to each cookie.
- 50g (¼ cup) cornstarch: Softens the texture, making the cookies light and melt-in-your-mouth.
- 120 ml (½ cup) milk: Moistens the dough and helps achieve a tender bite.
- Sugar for sprinkling: Adds a sparkling finish and extra sweetness after baking.
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
Start by whisking the eggs with sugar, lemon zest, vegetable oil, and lemon juice in a bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform. This step ensures your cookies will have a beautiful, zesty foundation balancing both moisture and sweetness.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. This dry mixture is essential to provide the right structure and softness, setting you up for that melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture while stirring gently. Take your time to incorporate everything thoroughly but avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Pop your dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their lovely shape while baking.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) so it’s perfectly hot when your cookies go in. Meanwhile, cut the chilled dough into pieces and roll each into small balls. Place these on a baking sheet, spaced apart to allow room for spreading.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cookies for 15 minutes or until they turn lightly golden around the edges. This visual cue lets you know they’re perfectly baked, soft on the inside yet slightly crisp outside.
Step 7: The Final Touch – Milk Dip and Sugar Sprinkle
Once cooled, dip each cookie quickly into milk and then sprinkle sugar liberally on top. This final step adds a delicate glaze and that characteristic sparkle and crunch of classic sugar cookies, enhanced with lemon’s refreshing zing.
How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching presentation and a flavor boost, consider garnishing your cookies with thin lemon slices, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few finely chopped mint leaves. These simple additions elevate the visual appeal and hint at the fresh ingredients inside.
Side Dishes
Lemon sugar cookies are incredible companions to a cup of hot tea, iced herbal infusions, or a light coffee. Their bright citrus flavor pairs wonderfully with chamomile or green teas, making them an ideal afternoon treat or a refreshing dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress friends or family, try stacking these cookies with a dollop of whipped cream or lemon curd between them for an elegant mini sandwich treat. You can also serve them alongside fresh berries for a colorful, luscious dessert plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and allows the lemon flavor to remain fresh. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is also an option but may slightly change the texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough balls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to one month. When you’re ready, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking. This way, you have fresh lemon sugar cookies whenever the craving hits!
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in a preheated 160°C (320°F) oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the softness and releases their delightful lemon aroma without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use butter instead of vegetable oil in this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Yes, butter can be substituted for vegetable oil. It will create a richer flavor and slightly firmer texture, but keep in mind it may alter the lightness that oil offers.
How important is the cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch lightens the texture of these cookies, making them tender and soft. Omitting it might result in a denser, less delicate cookie, so it’s recommended to keep it for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free lemon sugar cookies, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it includes xanthan gum or another binder for the best results.
Why do I need to refrigerate the dough?
Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
What’s the best way to get the lemon zest?
Use a microplane grater to finely zest the lemon peel without the bitter white pith. This provides a fragrant, bright lemon flavor essential to this cookie recipe.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe enough if you want to add a little sunshine to your baking repertoire. They’re straightforward to prepare, refreshingly citrusy, and wonderfully soft. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So grab your lemons and get baking—you’re in for a delicious treat!
Print
Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Sugar Cookies offer a perfect balance of tangy lemon zest and sweet sugar, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. These soft and slightly chewy cookies are made with a simple batter featuring fresh lemon juice and zest, creating a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs wonderfully with a crispy sugar topping. Ideal for parties, afternoon tea, or as a sweet snack, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 50 ml (3 tbsp.) lemon juice
- 30 ml (2 tbsp.) vegetable oil
- 120 ml (½ cup) milk (for dipping)
Dry Ingredients
- 60g (½ cup) sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- ½ lemon (zest only)
- 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder
- 210g (1 â…” cup) all-purpose flour
- 50g (¼ cup) cornstarch
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk the eggs with sugar, lemon zest, vegetable oil, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring the sugar begins to dissolve.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent and prevent lumps.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently and thoroughly until a uniform dough is formed without overmixing.
- Chill the Dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm it up, which eases handling and shapes the cookies better during baking.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 180°C (350°F) to reach the optimal baking temperature by the time the dough is ready.
- Shape the Cookies: Remove chilled dough from the refrigerator, cut into pieces, roll each piece into a smooth ball, and place them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes or until the cookies turn lightly golden around the edges, signaling they are cooked through but still tender.
- Milk Dip and Sugar Topping: Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then dip each one briefly into milk and immediately sprinkle with sugar to create a sweet, lightly crunchy topping that enhances the lemon flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
- Refrigerating the dough is essential for maintaining the shape of the cookies during baking.
- Dipping the cookies in milk before sprinkling sugar adds moisture and helps the sugar adhere better.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor, but it may slightly change the texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
