There’s something so delightful about baking lemon sugar cookies, don’t you think? The bright, zesty aroma fills the kitchen, and it instantly lifts my spirits! This recipe is wonderfully simple, yet it yields cookies that are bursting with sunshine flavor. I remember the first time I made these cookies with my family; we spent the afternoon squeezing lemons and laughing as we rolled the dough into perfect little balls. The best part? Watching them bake and transform into golden little delights that we couldn’t resist sampling right off the tray! Trust me, once you try this lemon sugar cookies recipe, you’ll be hooked, and your loved ones will be begging for more. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking!
Ingredients for Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun of baking! Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful lemon sugar cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cookies, giving them structure and that classic chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies rise, making them soft and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Another leavening agent that works in tandem with the baking soda for that perfect lift.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming. This adds richness and flavor to your cookies.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar: This sweetens the cookies and contributes to that lovely golden color when baked.
- 1 egg: This binds everything together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla enhances the flavor profile, making it more delicious.
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract: This boosts the lemon flavor, making your cookies even more vibrant!
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Fresh zest adds a zingy brightness that really makes these cookies pop.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
With these simple ingredients, you’re all set to make some cookies that will brighten your day. Let’s move on to the fun part—baking them up!
How to Prepare Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and get that beautiful golden color. While the oven is heating up, you can start measuring out your ingredients—multi-tasking at its finest!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. I like to use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly; it helps to break up any lumps and ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed. This step is key to achieving that soft, fluffy texture we all crave in a cookie!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, in another bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This can take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. You’ll know you’re there when the texture is smooth and a little airy—trust me, this is what makes your cookies melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Next up, add in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon extract, and lemon zest to your buttery mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You should see that lovely, bright yellow hue from the lemon zest shining through! The aroma at this stage is just heavenly!
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Now, it’s time to bring the dry ingredients into the party! Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here; we want our cookies to stay tender and not tough. A few flour streaks are totally fine—you’re almost there!
Step 6: Form Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. I love using a cookie scoop because it gives you perfectly uniform cookies every time! Plus, it makes the process so much easier—less mess, more fun!
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Pop those trays into the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers still look a bit soft. Don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they cool! This is the moment when your kitchen will smell like a lemony paradise!
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, take the cookies out of the oven and let them sit on the sheets for a minute before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This step is so important for texture; cooling on racks allows air to circulate around the cookies, keeping them from becoming soggy. Plus, you’ll have perfectly chewy centers and crispy edges—just the way I like them!
Tips for Success with Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Want to make your lemon sugar cookies absolutely perfect? I’ve got some pro tips to help you achieve cookie greatness!
- Chill the Dough: If you prefer thicker cookies with a chewy center, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven. Plus, it’s a great excuse to enjoy a quick cup of tea while you wait!
- Adjust the Lemon Zest: If you’re a lemon lover like me, don’t be shy about adding a bit more lemon zest! It really enhances that zesty flavor and makes your cookies taste extra bright and fresh. Just remember, a little goes a long way!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butter, eggs, and of course, fresh lemons for zest and juice will always yield the best flavor. The quality of your ingredients really shines through in these cookies.
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. If you pull them out just as the edges start to turn golden, you’ll get that perfect soft center. If you let them bake too long, they might turn out a bit too crunchy for my taste!
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Want to switch things up? Try adding white chocolate chips or poppy seeds for a delightful twist! They pair beautifully with the lemon flavor and add a fun texture.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking the best lemon sugar cookies ever! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the numbers behind these scrumptious lemon sugar cookies! While I always believe in enjoying treats in moderation, it’s good to know what you’re working with. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
These values are estimates, of course, and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. So, enjoy your lemon sugar cookies knowing that they’re a delightful treat, and don’t forget to savor every bite!
FAQ about Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe
Got questions about making these delicious lemon sugar cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get:
Can I substitute the butter with something else?
Absolutely! While I love the richness of unsalted butter, you can use margarine or even coconut oil if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change a bit, but you’ll still end up with tasty cookies!
What if I don’t have lemon extract?
No lemon extract? No problem! You can just use more lemon zest or a splash of fresh lemon juice instead. It’ll still give your cookies that bright lemon flavor we all adore!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can! Just scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight from the freezer into the oven, but add a minute or two to the baking time.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Great question! You’ll want to look for lightly golden edges, and the centers should still look a bit soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem underbaked when you take them out!
Can I add other flavors to these cookies?
Definitely! These lemon sugar cookies are a fantastic base for all sorts of flavors. Feel free to mix in some poppy seeds for a classic combo or even a touch of lavender for something unique. Get creative and have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a batch of these delightful lemon sugar cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Here’s how to store them properly:
- Storing Cookies: Let your cookies cool completely on the wire racks before storing them. This step is crucial to avoid any moisture buildup that can make them soggy. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well at room temperature for about 5 days—if they last that long!
- Freezing Cookies: If you want to save some for later (or if you just want to hide a stash for yourself!), you can freeze them! Just stack the cookies with parchment paper between each layer in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
- Reheating Cookies: To bring back that just-baked warmth, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat them for about 5 minutes. This will help restore their soft, chewy texture, making them taste freshly baked again!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor your lemon sugar cookies even longer. Enjoy every bite, and happy snacking!
Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe: 7 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Całkowity Czas: 25 minutes
- Ustępować: 24 cookies 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A simple and delicious recipe for lemon sugar cookies.
Składniki
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instrukcje
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, lemon extract, and lemon zest. Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden.
- Cool on wire racks.
Uwagi
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For extra lemon flavor, add more lemon zest.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 10 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cookie
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 8g
- Sód: 50mg
- Kwasy: 7g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 2g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Słowa kluczowe: lemon sugar cookies, lemon cookies, cookie recipe
