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Lemon sugar cookies on a white plate with a beige napkin and a lemon off a tree sitting next to them.
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Easy Lemon Sugar Cookies

Course Sweets & Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 16 cookies
Calories 134kcal
Author Kristine Underwood

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened, see note below)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsp lemon juice (fresh-squeezed)
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups flour (all-purpose, spooned and leveled)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • Extra sugar and lemon zest (for rolling, optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Using a mixer on medium speed, cream the butter and sugar together just until smooth and combined (not fluffy or whipped). About a minute or so is usually plenty.
  • Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla. Mix for another 30 seconds to one minute, just until incorporated.
  • Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until a soft dough forms.
  • Using a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop dough, roll into balls, and roll in sugar and lemon zest (if using).
  • Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet a couple of inches apart.
  • Bake cookie for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set and centers still look soft.
  • Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. They'll be very soft just out of the oven.
  • Store the cookies in airtight container for 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
  • Use butter that’s soft but still slightly cool to the touch (not shiny or greasy) to prevent spreading.
  • Measure the flour correctly so the cookies aren't too thick or too thin.
  • Mix until just until combined at each step. Don’t overwork the dough or the texture of the cookies will be off.
  • If the dough feels soft or your kitchen is warm, chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking.
  • You can gently roll these cookies in sugar (and a little lemon zest) if you want a little extra crunch and flavor.
  • Bake until the edges are set and centers look slightly underdone for soft cookies. They'll firm up as they cool.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 cookie | Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 112mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 193IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg