Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 whole large egg
- 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest, loosely packed
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the whole egg, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Form cookie dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft cookie dough forms. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to mix evenly, but avoid over-mixing to keep cookies tender.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets: Using a large cookie scoop or ice cream scoop (approximately 1/4 cup), portion out dough balls and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown. This ensures chewy centers with slightly crisp edges.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy your delicious lemon sugar cookies!
Notes
- For more intense lemon flavor, you can increase the lemon zest but avoid adding too much lemon juice as it may alter dough consistency.
- Do not over-mix the dough after adding flour to keep cookies soft and chewy rather than tough.
- Using parchment paper or silicone mats prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy clean-up.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Cookies can be frozen after baking; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
