Go Back
–+ servings
An extreme close-up shot of a lemon sugar cookie, highlighting its thick, crinkly top and soft, chewy center. The cookie is golden brown and sparkles with a sugar coating.
FL Recipes

Lemon Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe for Soft & Chewy Treats

The best Lemon Sugar Cookies recipe! Learn how to make perfectly soft, chewy, and zesty lemon cookies from scratch with this easy-to-follow guide. These cookies are bursting with bright lemon flavor and have an irresistible texture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe WhatsApp
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 155
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 0.5 tsp Baking Soda
  • 0.5 tsp Baking Powder
  • 0.25 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter softened
  • 1.25 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Large Egg room temperature
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 tsp Lemon Zest
  • 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest

Equipment

  • 2 Mixing Bowls
  • 1 Electric Mixer
  • 2 Baking Sheets
  • Parchment Paper

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Lemon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp lemon zest for the topping. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar until it's fragrant. Set aside.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and 1.25 cups of granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and 2 tsp lemon zest. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 60 minutes.
  7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. Shape Cookies: Scoop and roll the chilled dough into 1.5-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in the prepared lemon sugar topping.
  9. Bake: Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look slightly soft.
  10. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcalProtein: 2gFat: 7gFiber: 0.5g

Notes

Use Fresh Lemon: For the best, brightest flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh zest.
Do Not Overbake: To maintain a soft and chewy texture, remove the cookies from the oven when the centers still look slightly underdone.
Chill Time is Key: Don't skip chilling the dough! This step is essential for thick, chewy cookies that don't spread too much.
Keyword chewy lemon cookies,lemon sugar cookies,soft lemon cookies

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Pin Recipe