Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Perfection Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for a cookie that perfectly balances zesty brightness and that irresistibly soft texture, look no further than Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Perfection Recipe. These treats deliver a burst of fresh lemon flavor wrapped in a tender, chewy bite that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because your sweet tooth calls, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite, turning every cookie moment into pure bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build that soft, chewy texture and vibrant lemony punch you crave. From the fluffy all-purpose flour to the fresh lemon zest that brightens every bite, these essentials come together flawlessly.

• All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (281g) forms the sturdy yet tender base of the cookie dough, ensuring the perfect chew.
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon helps the cookies rise just right without making them cakey.
• Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon balances the acidity and adds softness.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon enhances all the other flavors, especially the lemon.
• Unsalted butter: 1 cup (226g), softened for that creamy mix that creates richness and moisture.
• Granulated sugar: 1 1/2 cups (300g) sweetens and helps achieve that signature golden brown edge.
• Egg: 1 large egg binds everything together and adds tenderness.
• Fresh lemon juice: 2 tablespoons bring genuine citrus brightness to every bite.
• Lemon zest: 2 teaspoons finely grated for the dough plus 2 tablespoons for coating to intensify that lemon aroma.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon adds warmth and depth, balancing the tartness.
• Extra granulated sugar for coating: 1/2 cup (100g) mixes with zest to give the cookies a delightful sugary crunch outside.

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

Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk these together so they’re evenly distributed—this little step ensures your cookies get that perfect rise and a tender crumb.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and light. This aeration is crucial—it helps create a soft texture and delightful melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Step 3: Add the Egg, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest, and Vanilla

Mix in the egg until combined, then stir in your fresh lemon juice, finely grated lemon zest, and vanilla extract. This combo not only infuses vibrant citrus flavor but also balances the sweetness beautifully for the ultimate cookie experience.

Step 4: Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients

On low speed, slowly blend the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Be careful to mix just until combined because overworking the dough can make the cookies tough, and that’s not what we’re aiming for.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap your dough tightly in plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least one hour, though 2 to 3 hours or even overnight is best. The chilling step lets the flavors meld and provides a sturdier dough that’s easier to shape.

Step 6: Combine the Sugar and Lemon Zest for Coating

In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons of lemon zest. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar—it’s this coating that gives the cookies their signature sparkling, fragrant finish.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure the cookies bake evenly and release easily.

Step 8: Shape the Cookies

Retrieve your chilled dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. The consistent size guarantees even baking, so your cookies come out soft and chewy throughout.

Step 9: Coat in Lemon Sugar

Roll each dough ball generously in the lemon sugar mixture. This extra step adds a little sugary crunch and an explosion of lemon aroma with every bite—pure cookie magic.

Step 10: Place on Baking Sheets

Arrange your coated dough balls on the prepared sheets, leaving about 2 inches of room between each to allow for spreading as they bake.

Step 11: Bake

Pop the trays into your oven for 10 to 12 minutes. When the edges turn just golden brown but the centers are still soft, they’re ready. That slight under-bake is the secret to their famed chewy texture.

Step 12: Cool

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes; this helps them set. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—you’ll find the flavor develops even more as they rest.

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

Garnishes

For a fresh, eye-catching touch, dust your cookies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a thin drizzle of lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. The glossy glaze amps up the lemon flavor and adds a beautiful shine.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a chilled glass of lemonade or a hot cup of herbal tea like chamomile or green tea. The gentle drinks complement the lemon zest without overpowering the delicate cookie flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack cookies tied with a sprig of fresh mint or lemon verbena for a charming gift or dessert display. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies delicately with a dollop of lemon buttercream or whipped cream in the middle for an indulgent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These lemon sugar cookies keep beautifully at room temperature for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay soft and preserve that chewy perfection you love.

Freezing

The dough can be frozen before baking. Form the dough balls, flash freeze them on a tray, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer by adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

If your cookies have lost some warmth and softness, gently warm them in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This refreshes their tender texture and lemon fragrance beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?

While lemon extract can add flavor, fresh lemon juice provides a brighter, more natural citrus zing that’s hard to replace, making it the preferred ingredient in this recipe.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

You can swap butter for plant-based margarine and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg to keep the texture soft and chewy.

What causes cookies to become hard instead of soft?

Overbaking or using too much flour can make cookies hard. Sticking closely to the bake time and measuring ingredients accurately is key to sustaining that perfect softness.

Can I substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative?

Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend that’s meant for baking. To maintain texture, look for blends that contain xanthan gum or add a teaspoon if your blend lacks it.

How do I get the cookies to have a stronger lemon flavor?

Increase the lemon zest slightly or add a small amount of lemon extract. Also, the lemon sugar coating enhances the lemon aroma, so don’t skip that step!

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you bake these Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Perfection Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They are so simple yet decadently delicious, brightening any day with their tender chew and lively citrus burst. Grab your ingredients, invite some friends to bake along, and savor every delightful bite of citrusy cookie heaven.

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