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    Home » Recipes » Cookies

    Lemon Sugar Cookies

    Published: Mar 21, 2016 · Modified: Sep 6, 2018 by Melissa Stadler · This post may contain affiliate links · 154 Comments

    196495 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Soft chewy lemon sugar cookies are always a hit! A light lemon cookie that will be a crowd favorite.

    Lemon Sugar Cookies by Modern Honey - www.modernhoney.com

    Lemon Sugar Cookies

    I may be a chocoholic but these cookies got me from the first bite. Actually, I lie. It was from the first bite of cookie dough because after one taste, I was hooked! Since my Mom loves all things lemon, I decided I had to break free from my chocolate love affair and make something that she would love - a sweet, soft lemon sugar cookie.

    Lemon Sugar Cookies by Modern Honey - www.modernhoney.com

    She was smitten with the first taste! This cookie is bursting with fresh lemon flavor without being too tart and if you could imagine a marriage between a soft sugar cookie and a tangy lemon, you will get this delectable lemon sugar cookie.

    Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe. Soft chewy light lemon cookie recipe. The perfect Lemon Cookie Recipe! www.modernhoney.com #lemoncookies #lemonsugarcookie

    This is a soft, chewy lemon cookie with a light lemon flavor.  It is a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that everyone loves! Add more lemon zest for extra lemon flavor.

    Lemon Sugar Cookies. Sweet and tangy cookies that taste like lemonade in a cookie. Soft and tender lemon cookies are one of the most popular cookies. www.modernhoney.com

    Key Steps for making the BEST Lemon sugar cookies:

    1. Cream butter and sugar for four minutes or until light and fluffy. This breaks down the sugar so you don't end up with grainy cookies. It also whips in the air, which not only helps to give the cookie body but keeps it from going completely flat once it hits the hot oven.
    2. Use fresh lemon juice. The fake stuff you find in the grocery store just tastes fake. Fresh lemon transforms so many dishes and since it's the star ingredient in this cookie, fresh is best.
    3. Use a zester to get the vibrant yellow skin from the lemon and leave the bitter white part behind.  We want the good stuff! Click HERE to buy a zester for about $10 bucks.
    4. These cookies are best soft so don't overbake. An outstanding cookie can become mediocre just from overbaking. I always use non-stick silicone baking sheets. These silicone baking sheets are some of my favorites because they work well and are reasonably priced.
    5. Top with sparkling sugar just as you are removing the cookies from the oven.
    Lemon Sugar Cookies by Modern Honey - www.modernhoney.com
    Click to watch this Lemon Sugar Cookies Video and see how easy it is to make them at home!

    Lemon Sugar Cookies

    Melissa Stadler, Modern Honey
    Soft and Chewy Lemon Sugar Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and slightly tart.
    4.87 from 90 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Cookies
    Servings 20

    Equipment

    • kitchenaid mixer
    • baking sheet
    • parchment paper baking sheets
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • turner
    • spatula set
    • cookie scoop

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup Butter cold, cut into cubes
    • 2 cups Sugar
    • 2 Eggs
    • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
    • 1 ½ Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
    • 1 Tablespoon Lemon Zest may put more lemon zest for extra flavor
    • 3 cups Flour
    • 1 ¼ teaspoon Baking Powder
    • ¼ teaspoon Baking Soda
    • ½ teaspoon Salt
    • *may put in a drop of yellow food coloring for color

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar for 4 minutes until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest and stir to combine.
    • Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and mix just until combined.
    • Drop dough onto light colored baking sheet.
    • Bake for 9-11 minutes. Sprinkle with sugar or white sparkling sugar.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Lemon Sugar Cookies by Modern Honey - www.modernhoney.com

    Thank as always for all of your incredible support. xo Happy Baking!

    PIN this image on PINTEREST:

    Soft chewy lemon sugar cookies. Best EVER sweet Lemon Cookies. www.modernhoney.com

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ruby

      June 07, 2023 at 10:02 pm

      5 stars
      These are so easy and tasty. Lately, I make these substituting lime for the lemon and adding white chocolate chips, and they are a hit. Delicious both ways.

      Reply
    2. Lauren Johnson

      April 16, 2023 at 2:07 pm

      5 stars
      This were a big favorite before the cookies were even baked! I ended up adding more lemon juice and zest (about a half a decent sized lemon worth) and they were a perfect balance of lemon and sugar cookie. The first batch ended up looking like biscuits since they didn’t flatten out but the second one did once I smooshed them down with a glass before baking. These are defiling a keeper in my recipe book. 🥰

      Reply
    3. Jennifer Tipton

      April 02, 2023 at 7:25 pm

      Bit hit with my husband and the neighbors! I added 1 tbsp. King Arthur's lemon juice powder per cup of flour (3 tbsp.) for an extra lemony flavor. This one's a keeper - will definitely do it again! In fact, think I'll share it on my website @nursingoffthechart.com

      Reply
      • Melissa Stadler

        April 03, 2023 at 2:12 pm

        I am so happy to hear it Jennifer! I especially love the adjustments that you did to bring out the lemon flavor. Thanks for trying out my recipe!

        Reply
    4. Jackie

      January 07, 2023 at 1:49 pm

      5 stars
      It's lemon season in Arizona....I can't make enough of these for my neighbors...they love them. Thanks for all the lemon recipes MH

      Reply
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    Melissa Stadler Modern Honey

    Hi, I'm Melissa Stadler! I am an Award-Winning Recipe Creator. Cover of Food Network Magazine. Two-Time Pillsbury Bake-Off Finalist. I am passionate about sharing the best recipes so you have success in the kitchen!

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