Description
These Lemon Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat combining buttery sweetness with fresh lemon zest and a tangy glaze. Soft and tender on the inside with a slight crisp around the edges, they’re perfect for any occasion and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 5 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- A few drops vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which helps create a light texture for the cookies.
- Add Flavorings: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth, enhancing both moisture and citrus flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until a soft dough forms, careful not to overmix to keep cookies tender.
- Portion Dough: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie and place each scoop 1.5 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow space for spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 7 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden but the centers are still soft to achieve a tender texture.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, which helps them set and avoids breaking, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Lemon Glaze: While cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and optional vanilla extract until smooth to create a tangy glaze.
- Glaze Cookies: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled cookies and let them sit until the glaze sets completely for a glossy, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Make sure to use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be lightly golden and soft in the center.
- The glaze can be adjusted by adding more lemon juice for tanginess or more powdered sugar for sweetness and thickness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra zest to the dough or glaze.
