Bake Your Way to Happiness with These Zesty Lemon Sugar Cookies!

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There’s something undeniably refreshing about the taste of lemon in a cookie. These Lemon Sugar Cookies take the zesty flavor of fresh citrus and blend it into a soft, chewy cookie that’s both sweet and slightly tart. Perfect for those who crave a light dessert that doesn't feel too heavy, these cookies strike a beautiful balance between tangy lemon and just the right amount of sweetness.

When you bite into one of these cookies, the bright lemon zest and juice make you feel like you've captured a bit of sunshine in a bite. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture adds to the magic, creating a treat that’s equally great for a midday snack or a dessert after a meal. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, so even if you’re not an expert baker, you’ll find these cookies a breeze to whip up.

The Perfect Lemon Sugar Cookie Recipe

This recipe features simple ingredients that you likely already have at home, and it requires minimal prep time. In just under 30 minutes, you'll have two dozen light and airy cookies, each with that perfect hint of lemony goodness.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Extra granulated sugar (for rolling)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and even baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix will give your cookies the perfect texture.
3. Make the Dough: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to creating a soft and chewy cookie. Then, beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, well-blended dough. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until everything is combined without overmixing.
4. Form the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. To add a little extra sweetness and sparkle, roll each ball in granulated sugar. This not only makes the cookies look beautiful but also gives them a lovely, slightly crisp coating once they bake.
5. Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the cookies turn a light golden color. Be careful not to overbake them; you want the centers to stay soft and chewy. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Baking Tips:

• If you love an extra lemony flavor, feel free to add more zest to the dough.
• For an added twist, you can drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies by mixing powdered sugar with a little more lemon juice.

These Lemon Sugar Cookies are a treat everyone will love. The fresh citrus burst from the lemon juice and zest creates a cookie that feels bright and flavorful without being overwhelming. The balance of sweetness and tartness is just right, making them perfect for sharing at picnics, afternoon teas, or just to enjoy at home with a glass of milk or tea. Whether you’re a lemon lover or just looking for something new to try, these cookies will become a fast favorite.

For your Lemon Sugar Cookies recipe, there are several excellent sources online that provide different variations of this classic citrusy treat. Here are some reliable options:

1. AllRecipes offers a variety of lemon cookie recipes, including soft and chewy Lemon Sugar Cookies that are lightly rolled in sugar and flavored with lemon zest and juice for a balanced citrus flavor. One version highlights a buttery base with a sugar coating, creating a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture​(Allrecipes)​(Allrecipes).
2. Another delightful version is their Frosted Lemon Sugar Cookies, which adds a layer of lemon buttercream frosting for an extra touch of sweetness. This recipe blends the fresh lemon zest in both the cookie and the frosting for a bright and flavorful bite​(Allrecipes).
3. For a unique twist, you might want to check out their Lemon Crinkle Cookies, which are known for their "cracked" surface and an extra dose of lemon flavor​(Allrecipes).

These recipes offer a great range of textures and sweetness levels, depending on what you are looking for in your lemon sugar cookies. You can explore more of these delicious variations through the links provided!