Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

Soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, this lemon sugar cookie recipe is the perfect quick treat. With no chill time and just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have homemade cookies on your table in under 30 minutes—ideal for Easter, spring parties, or anytime you’re craving sunshine in a bite.

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Course: Brunch, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 11

Resting Dough: 10

Total Time: 36

Servings: cookies

Calories: 145kcal

Cost: $5–$7

Equipment

1 Hand or Stand Mixer For creaming butter and sugar
1 Microplane/zester For fresh lemon zest
1 Cookie scoop 1½-inch recommended for even sizes
2 Baking sheets Lined with parchment or silicone mats
1 Wire rack For cooling cookies

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour Can use gluten-free blend
1 cup unsalted butter Softened to room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar Plus extra for rolling
1 large egg Room temperature
2 tablespoon lemon juice Fresh is best
2 tablespoon lemon zest About 2 large lemons
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon lemon extract Optional but recommended
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Optional Lemon Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoon lemon juice Adjust for desired consistency
1 tablespoon lemon zest Adds extra punch
1 pinch salt Balances sweetness

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment.
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 3–4 minutes.
Beat in egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and lemon extract.
In separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to wet, mix until just combined.
Let dough rest for 10 minutes for best texture.
Roll into 1½-inch balls, then coat in granulated sugar.
Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are just set; centers slightly soft.
Cool 5 minutes on sheet, then transfer to wire rack.
If glazing, drizzle or dip cooled cookies; let glaze set before storing.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition