Description
Sweet, zesty lemon sugar cookies dance with bright citrus notes, offering a delightful twist on classic cookie comfort. Crisp edges and tender centers invite bakers to savor each buttery, tangy bite that celebrates simple Mediterranean-inspired baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
- 1 tbsp additional lemon zest (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a pristine surface for your delicate cookies.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, ensuring a smooth, lump-free dry mixture that will guarantee a tender cookie texture.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a uniform, silky base.
- Fold in the fresh lemon zest and lemon juice, allowing the citrusy aromatics to infuse the cookie dough with bright, tangy notes.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to prevent overworking the dough and maintaining a delicate crumb.
- Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, which will help prevent spreading and enhance the flavor development.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating a perfectly crisp exterior.
- Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- While still warm, gently roll each cookie in a mixture of powdered sugar and additional lemon zest, creating a delicate, sweet-tart coating.
- Allow cookies to cool completely, letting the powdered sugar set and the flavors meld together into a delightful lemony treat.
Notes
- Swap out all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring everyone can enjoy these zesty treats.
- Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie, diabetic-friendly version without compromising the cookie’s delightful texture.
- Enhance lemon flavor by adding a splash of lemon extract or using Meyer lemons for a more complex, aromatic citrus profile that elevates the entire cookie experience.
- Create a vegan alternative by substituting butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs, making these cookies accessible to plant-based cookie lovers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg