Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Spring is the perfect time to indulge in light, refreshing desserts that celebrate the flavors of the season. One delightful option is Lemon Sugar Cookies, which offer a zesty twist on the classic sugar cookie. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the bright flavor of fresh lemons, making them a favorite for springtime gatherings or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea. With just a handful of ingredients and five simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these scrumptious cookies in no time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delightful treats!
What Is Spring Desserts: Lemon Sugar Cookies in 5 Steps?
Spring Desserts: Lemon Sugar Cookies are a delicious treat that captures the essence of spring with its vibrant lemon flavor. These cookies are made with simple ingredients, allowing the tangy essence of lemon to shine through while remaining perfectly sweet. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, celebrating a birthday, or just have a craving for cookies, these fragrant delights will surely hit the spot. The fun part? They come together in just five easy steps, making it a stress-free option for any home baker.
Why You’ll Love This
There are many reasons to love these Lemon Sugar Cookies:
- Quick and Easy: With only five steps, you can have fresh cookies baked in no time.
- Refreshing Flavor: The zesty lemon gives a lightness that is perfect for spring.
- Perfect Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy, satisfying your sweet tooth without being overly heavy.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, these cookies can be decorated for parties or enjoyed plain.
- Kid-Friendly: They make a great baking project for children, who will love the bright flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Lemon Sugar Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the cookies, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter adds richness and flavor to the dough.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: This sweetens the cookies and contributes to their light texture.
- 1 large egg: The egg acts as a binder for the cookie dough.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: This provides a burst of fresh lemon flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Grated lemon peel adds an extra punch of citrus aroma.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla complements the lemon flavor and makes the cookies more aromatic.
How to Make
Follow these simple steps to make your delicious Lemon Sugar Cookies:
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent baking temperature for perfectly baked cookies.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent throughout the flour.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This is crucial for achieving a soft cookie texture.
- Add egg and flavors: Beat in the egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, with a beautiful citrus aroma.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Shape and bake: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations & Substitutions
Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies: For an extra special touch, consider making a simple glaze using powdered sugar and lemon juice. Just whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cookies for a glossy finish.
Herb-infused Cookies: For a unique twist, try adding herbs like basil or rosemary to the dough. The fragrant herbs mixed with lemon create a refreshing and aromatic cookie that’s sure to impress.
Switch the Citrus: If lemon isn’t your favorite, you can easily substitute it with lime or orange zest and juice for a different flavor profile while keeping the essence of citrus cookies.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients checked are also gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Decorative Toppings: Before baking, you can roll the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar or colored sugar sprinkles to add some visual appeal, making them perfect for festive occasions or kid-friendly events.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking Lemon Sugar Cookies, avoid these common pitfalls:
Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix the ingredients until just combined, ensuring a tender texture.
Not Chilling the Dough: If the dough is too warm, the cookies can spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
Oven Temperature Issues: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated. Cookies baked at too high a temperature can burn while remaining raw in the center. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
Using Bottled Lemon Juice: While convenient, bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrant flavor of fresh ones. Always opt for fresh lemons for the best results.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
For best results, store your Lemon Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week. To extend their shelf life, consider freezing the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes. This will bring back their soft, chewy texture. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, just enough to warm them up without making them tough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. You can chill it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply allow it to come to room temperature before scooping and baking.
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
To prevent spreading, be sure to chill the cookie dough before baking. Chilling firmens up the butter, which helps keep the cookies in shape while they bake. Additionally, ensure you measure your flour properly to avoid too little structure in the dough.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for the edges of the cookies to be slightly golden and the centers to be set, but still soft. Keep in mind that the cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven, giving you perfectly soft and chewy cookies.
Can I add more lemon flavor?
Absolutely! If you want a more intense lemon flavor, consider increasing the amount of lemon zest and juice in the recipe. Just be cautious not to overdo it, as too much moisture can affect the cookie’s texture.
What can I serve these cookies with?
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Conclusion:
Lemon Sugar Cookies are a delightful, refreshing dessert perfect for celebrating the joys of spring. With their bright, zesty taste and soft texture, they are sure to become a family favorite. By following these straightforward steps and tips, you will create cookies that not only taste great but also look beautiful. Enjoy your homemade treats at your next spring gathering or keep them for yourself — we won’t judge! Happy baking!
