Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Recipe

If you are chasing the perfect balance between zest, sweetness, and that irresistible soft-chewy texture, then you absolutely must try Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Recipe. These cookies are truly a celebration of fresh lemon flavor wrapped in tender, melt-in-your-mouth dough that stays delightfully soft for days. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy afternoon treat, this recipe will become your go-to cookie, guaranteed to brighten any day with its vibrant citrus notes and sugary sparkle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is all it takes to create magic in your kitchen. Each one plays a vital role: the flour builds structure, the butter adds richness and softness, and the fresh lemon zest and juice infuse that signature bright flavor that defines these cookies.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups or 281g): The base of your cookie dough, providing the perfect tender chew.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough without losing softness.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Reacts with lemon juice to create lift and a light texture.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the cookie’s flavors.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup or 226g, softened): Adds luxurious moisture and ensures a soft crumb.
• Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups or 300g): Sweetens the dough and helps create that classic cookie crunch on the outside.
• Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together while adding moisture and richness.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Packs a fresh and tangy punch that wakes up your taste buds.
• Lemon zest (2 teaspoons for the dough, plus 2 tablespoons for coating): Intensifies the lemon flavor with vibrant citrus oils.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and rounds out the lemon’s brightness.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup or 100g for coating): Creates the sparkling sugary crust you’ll love on every bite.

How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the dry ingredients

Start by combining the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisking these together ensures they’re evenly distributed, which means every cookie will bake perfectly with that ideal rise and texture.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This step is so important because it incorporates air that keeps the cookies tender and soft.

Step 3: Mix in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla

Add the egg first and beat until fully combined. Then pour in the fresh lemon juice, finely grated lemon zest, and vanilla extract. The fresh lemon elements will give an irresistible zing that makes these cookies stand out, while vanilla adds a warm undertone.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients

Slowly incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients on low speed. Take care not to overmix here — just combine until you have a soft dough that holds together beautifully.

Step 5: Chill the dough

Wrap your dough tightly and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chilling step is essential because it allows the flavors to meld and makes the dough easier to handle, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies.

Step 6: Prepare the lemon sugar coating

In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon zest. Run your fingers through the mixture to release those fragrant citrus oils, ensuring the coating is bursting with lemony goodness.

Step 7: Preheat the oven and line baking sheets

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats — this guarantees easy cleanup and evenly baked cookies.

Step 8: Shape the cookies

Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it into 1-inch balls. This size ensures the cookies bake evenly, creating that classic thick and chewy texture.

Step 9: Coat the dough balls in lemon sugar

Roll each dough ball generously in the lemon sugar mixture, making sure they’re completely covered. This coating not only adds sparkle but also creates a lightly crispy exterior that perfectly contrasts the soft interior.

Step 10: Place on baking sheets

Arrange the coated dough balls on your prepared sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them because the cookies will spread slightly during baking.

Step 11: Bake the cookies

Pop the trays into the oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll want to remove them when the edges turn a gentle golden brown but the centers still look soft — that’s the key to maintaining their chewy charm.

Step 12: Cool completely

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time helps them set without losing any of that tender softness.

How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few thin lemon slices on the side for a pretty, fresh garnish that complements the cookie’s citrus burst. A tiny drizzle of white chocolate can also add a sweet contrast that’s simply divine.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or your favorite citrus-infused iced beverage. For a party, serve alongside lemon curd or whipped cream to elevate the lemon theme and add some creamy indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies with lemon curd or cream cheese frosting between them to create delightful sandwich cookies. You can also dip half of each cookie in white chocolate and sprinkle with extra lemon zest for a stunning presentation that tastes as good as it looks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your lemon sugar cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to a week, making them perfect for enjoying a little sweetness all week long.

Freezing

If you want to save them for later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When properly stored, they maintain their texture and flavor for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To refresh your cookies, warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This softens the cookies back up, bringing back that fresh-baked sensation as if they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice and zest?

While lemon extract can provide flavor, fresh lemon juice and zest deliver a vibrant brightness and natural oils that extract simply can’t match. For best results and that “ultimate” lemon punch, stick with fresh ingredients.

Why do the cookies need to be chilled before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up, which helps control spreading during baking. It also enhances flavor development and ensures a soft, thick cookie instead of a flat, crispy one.

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is key to the rich flavor and soft texture of these cookies. Margarine or oil will change the taste and texture, often resulting in greasier, less tender cookies, so butter is highly recommended.

How do I keep the cookies from becoming hard after a few days?

Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or an apple chunk to retain moisture. This little trick helps keep them soft and chewy longer.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different, but you’ll still enjoy delicious lemon sugar cookies.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about biting into a cookie that balances a zesty lemon kick with a tender, chewy center. Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Recipe is truly a treasure to keep in your baking repertoire. Once you try these cookies, you’ll find it hard to reach for any other lemon cookie recipe. So go ahead, bake a batch today, and share the sunshine with everyone around you!

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