Soft-Baked Lemon Sugar Cookies: A Bright & Chewy Classic

By Jason Griffith

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Introduction

There’s a certain magic to a good sugar cookie. It’s simple, classic, and the perfect canvas for flavor. But when you introduce lemon, that simple classic transforms into something truly special. These Lemon Sugar Cookies aren’t your typical crisp cutout cookies; they’re soft, chewy, and bursting with bright, tangy flavor thanks to a generous amount of fresh lemon juice and zest.

They are the ultimate sunshine-on-a-cloudy-day treat, perfect for spring, summer, or any time you need a little zing in your life. With a simple ingredient list and straightforward steps, this recipe is a must-have for any baker. Get ready to fall in love with a cookie that’s just as comforting as it is refreshing.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve baked a lot of cookies in my day, but these Lemon Sugar Cookies hold a special place in my heart. Why?

• The Texture is Perfect: They are soft-baked—slightly under-baked in the center for that heavenly, chewy bite, while the edges are just set.
• Intensely Lemon-y: We don’t skimp on the flavor! Using fresh lemon juice and zest is non-negotiable here. It’s the difference between a plain cookie and a bright, zesty experience.
• Simple & Fast: No chilling required! This dough comes together quickly, meaning you can be enjoying fresh-baked cookies in under 30 minutes. It’s almost as fast as making a batch of my favorite chocolate chip cookie bitesover at https://chefmaniac.com/these-chocolate-chip-cookie-bites-are-my-favorite-little-treat-to-bake-anytime/.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday spread, or just a lazy Sunday, these cookies disappear fast. They are universally loved.

Ingredients

Item	Quantity	Notes
All-purpose flour	2 3/4 cups	Use the scoop-and-level method for accuracy.
Baking soda	1 teaspoon
Baking powder	1/2 teaspoon
Salt	1/2 teaspoon	Balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter	1 cup (2 sticks), softened	Crucial for the creamy base.
Granulated sugar	1 1/2 cups
Large egg	1	At room temperature.
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Fresh lemon juice	2 Tablespoons	Freshly squeezed is best!
Lemon zest	1 Tablespoon (from about 2 large lemons)	The source of the intense lemon oil and flavor.
Powdered sugar	1/2 cup (Optional)	For rolling the dough balls before baking.

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Swaps and Notes

• Butter: I recommend unsalted butter so you can control the salt level. If you only have salted, omit the 1/2teaspoon of added salt.
• Citrus Swap: You can easily swap the lemon for lime or orange to create Lime Sugar Cookies or Orange Sugar Cookies. Just use the same amounts of juice and zest.
• Gluten-Free: A good 1:1 gluten-free baking blend can be used here. The cookies may spread slightly more, but the flavor will still be great.
• For a Fluffier Cookie: If you prefer a slightly taller, puffier cookie, you can refrigerate the dough for about 30minutes before rolling and baking.

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Instructions for the Ultimate Lemon Sugar Cookies

Follow these simple steps for perfectly soft and tangy lemon cookies.

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350∘F (175∘C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and helps them bake evenly. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes on medium speed. This step is important for incorporating air, which gives the cookies their light texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Beat until everything is just well-combined. Be careful not to over-mix at this stage.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the reserved dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix only until a soft dough forms and no streaks of flour remain. Stop immediately once combined; overmixing develops gluten and can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Scoop, Roll, and Bake

Scoop Tablespoon-sized balls of dough. This is where the magic happens: roll each ball in the powdered sugar (if desired) for that beautiful, crinkled, sugary crust. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 8–10 minutes. The key is to watch the edges. They should be just set and lightly golden, but the centers should still look slightly soft and maybe a little glossy. This ensures that perfectly chewy middle.

Step 7: Cool

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes (they’ll finish setting up). Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Especially the butter and egg. This allows them to emulsify correctly and creates a smoother, more consistent dough.
• Don’t Overbake: This is the most important rule for soft cookies. When in doubt, take them out! Even if they look slightly underdone, they will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.
• Zest First, Then Juice: Always zest your lemon before you cut it in half to juice it. It’s much easier to handle a whole lemon.
• Optional Lemon Glaze: For an extra punch of lemon, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Drizzle over the completely cooled cookies.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These bright, tangy cookies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a few complementary flavors.

• For a Refreshing Drink: Pair them with an ice-cold glass of homemade blueberry lemonade. The sweet and tart notes enhance the citrus in the cookie. For a grown-up treat, a classic Classic Margarita is a surprisingly good match.
• Dessert Bar Pairing: Serve these alongside something rich and decadent, like a batch of the best peanut butter brownies I’ve ever made or my quick and easy Pecan Pie Bars for a holiday spread.
• Savory Contrast: Follow up a batch of Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter with these cookies for a perfect sweet finish after a savory snack.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

(Note: This is an estimated value based on 24 servings and standard ingredients. Exact values will vary based on brands and measurements.)

Component	Value
Calories	170 kcal
Total Fat	8 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Cholesterol	25 mg
Sodium	110 mg
Total Carbohydrates	24 g
Dietary Fiber	0.5 g
Total Sugars	14 g
Protein	2 g

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Storage and Leftover Tips

• Storing Baked Cookies: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. For best results and texture, place a slice of plain white bread in the container to help keep them soft.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: You can freeze the baked and cooled cookies for up to 3 months. Layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw them at room temperature.
• Freezing Cookie Dough: Scoop the dough balls, roll them in powdered sugar, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid (about 1 hour). Transfer the frozen balls to a freezer-safe zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, add 1-2 minutes to the bake time—no need to thaw!

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed these cookies, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite recipes for simple, irresistible treats and crowd-pleasing mains:

• Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter – A savory, guaranteed party hit.https://chefmaniac.com/easy-cheesy-chicken-sliders-with-marinara-garlic-butter/
• The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made – Decadent and rich, a chocolate-peanut butter dream.https://chefmaniac.com/the-best-peanut-butter-brownies-ive-ever-made-and-ive-made-a-lot/
• These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – Perfect little treats for when you just need a nibble.https://chefmaniac.com/these-chocolate-chip-cookie-bites-are-my-favorite-little-treat-to-bake-anytime/
• These Pecan Pie Bars – All the flavor of pie in a handy bar form. https://chefmaniac.com/these-pecan-pie-bars-are-my-favorite-make-ahead-holiday-dessert/

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Sugar Cookies are the definition of easy perfection. They deliver that soft, chewy texture and an unbeatable bright, tangy flavor that will lift your spirits with every bite. I encourage you to whip up a batch this weekend!

Did you roll them in powdered sugar, or go for the lemon glaze? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Chefmaniac newsletter for more of my favorite recipes!