Lemon Sugar Cookies
Lemon sugar cookies are a delightful treat, combining the zesty freshness of lemon with the sweetness of sugar cookies. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a sunny summer day or a cozy winter evening. The unique blend of citrus flavor and sweet dough creates a refreshing and satisfying dessert that is sure to please anyone’s palate. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything there is to know about lemon sugar cookies, from their ingredients and baking process to tips for perfecting your recipe and even some fun variations to try.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 3/4 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Almond extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Lemon zest | Zest of 2 lemons |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Granulated sugar (for rolling) | 1/2 cup |
Optional Ingredients
- Lemon extract for an extra punch of lemon flavor
- Poppy seeds for a subtle crunch
- White chocolate chips for a sweeter variation
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Add Lemon: Mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice until incorporated.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Form Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in the reserved 1/2 cup sugar. Place the cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The centers should still be slightly soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
