There is something truly magical about Lemon Sugar Cookies: A Delightful Treat for All Occasions Recipe that makes it an absolute favorite whenever I want to brighten my day or impress guests with a simple but irresistible homemade cookie. These cookies strike the perfect balance of zesty lemon brightness, soft texture, and that characteristic sugary crunch on the outside, making them a crowd-pleaser no matter the event. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon snack or a special celebration, this recipe offers a fresh twist on the classic sugar cookie that feels both refreshing and comforting all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet purposeful ingredients. Each element has a specific role in creating that tender crumb, delicate lemon flavor, and soft yet lightly crisp cookie exterior you’ll adore. Let’s take a look:
- 2 eggs: These bind the ingredients together while adding richness and moisture.
- 60g (½ cup) sugar: Sweetness that balances the tangy lemon and also helps create a slight crisp on the cookie edges.
- 50 ml (3 tbsp.) lemon juice: Provides the bright, tangy flavor that makes these cookies stand out.
- 30 ml (2 tbsp.) vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies tender and moist without overpowering the lemon taste.
- ½ lemon (zest): Adds concentrated lemon aroma and flavor that’s incredibly fresh and vibrant.
- 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder: Leavens the dough just enough to keep the cookies light and fluffy.
- 210g (1 â…” cup) all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and softness.
- 50g (¼ cup) cornstarch: Creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture by lightening the flour.
- 120 ml (½ cup) milk: Adds moisture and helps blend the flavors beautifully.
- Sugar for sprinkling: Gives the cookies their signature sparkle and sweet crunch on the outside.
How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies: A Delightful Treat for All Occasions Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the wet ingredients
Start by whisking the eggs with sugar, lemon zest, vegetable oil, and fresh lemon juice until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy. This step helps marry the flavors and makes your dough silky smooth.
Step 2: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. This ensures even distribution of leavening and replaces some of the flour’s heaviness with cornstarch’s tenderizing effect.
Step 3: Blend wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, stirring as you go until everything is fully incorporated. The dough should be soft but manageable, with all elements absorbed evenly for the best texture.
Step 4: Chill the dough
Pop the dough into the refrigerator for 30 minutes; this step firms it up, making it easier to handle and allowing the lemon flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
Step 5: Preheat the oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). A well-heated oven is critical for ensuring your cookies bake evenly with a tender interior and gently golden edges.
Step 6: Shape the cookies
Remove the dough from the fridge, cut it into pieces, and roll each piece into a ball. Place the dough balls spaced apart on a baking sheet, ready for their delicious transformation.
Step 7: Bake to perfection
Bake the cookies for about 15 minutes, or until they turn a light golden color around the edges. This timing locks in the perfect soft center and subtly crisp exterior.
Step 8: Add the finishing touch
Once cooled, dip each cookie in milk and sprinkle generously with sugar. This final step adds an irresistible sugary crunch that complements the soft lemony interior like a dream.
How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies: A Delightful Treat for All Occasions Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies look and taste even better with a little extra pizazz. Try garnishing with a thin slice of lemon zest twist for a fresh burst of aroma, or dust them lightly with powdered sugar to brighten their presentation. A sprinkle of finely chopped mint can also elevate their refreshing profile beautifully.
Side Dishes
Lemon Sugar Cookies make a stellar pairing with drinks like iced tea, herbal lemon balm tea, or a bright glass of lemonade. For a brunch or tea party, consider serving them alongside fresh berries or a creamy lemon curd to complement and enhance their citrus notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and festive touch, stack the cookies on a pretty plate with layers of edible flowers or fresh lemon slices nestled between. You can also package them in clear bags tied with yellow ribbon as adorable gifts. Or serve them as part of a cookie platter for sharing and indulging with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your lemon sugar cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay moist and tender for up to 3 days, preserving that delightful balance of soft inside and sugary exterior.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later on, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to revive their perfect texture.
Reheating
To refresh leftover cookies, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This helps the cookie regain its soft, chewy goodness and revives the aroma wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
Yes, you can swap vegetable oil for melted butter for a richer flavor, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture, making the cookies a bit denser and giving a more buttery taste.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch lightens the flour’s density and contributes to a softer, more tender cookie crumb. It’s the secret to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture you’ll fall in love with.
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice and zest?
While fresh lemon juice and zest provide a fresher, brighter flavor, lemon extract can be used if necessary. Use about 1 teaspoon of extract, but the cookies may have a slightly different, less vibrant lemon profile.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
They’re ready once the edges turn lightly golden but the center still looks slightly soft. This ensures the cookies remain tender inside instead of becoming crisp throughout.
Can this recipe be doubled easily?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in batches. Make sure not to overcrowd your baking sheets to maintain the perfect texture and even cooking.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t made Lemon Sugar Cookies: A Delightful Treat for All Occasions Recipe yet, now is the perfect time to dive in and discover the joy of baking these little bursts of citrus happiness. I promise they will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for any time you want something simple, fresh, and utterly delicious. Give it a try, and watch how your friends and family light up with every bite!
Print
Lemon Sugar Cookies: A Delightful Treat for All Occasions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Lemon Sugar Cookies are a bright and zesty treat perfect for any occasion. These soft, tender cookies combine the refreshing flavor of lemon with a sweet sprinkle of sugar, creating a delightful balance that’s both simple and irresistible. With a subtle tang from fresh lemon juice and zest, these cookies are easy to make and sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 50 ml (3 tbsp.) lemon juice
- 30 ml (2 tbsp.) vegetable oil
- 120 ml (½ cup) milk
Dry Ingredients
- 60g (½ cup) sugar
- ½ lemon (zest only)
- 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder
- 210g (1 â…” cup) all-purpose flour
- 50g (¼ cup) cornstarch
- Sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, vegetable oil, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Stir to evenly distribute the leavening agent and starch.
- Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a uniform dough forms without streaks of flour.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This resting period helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and enhancing the texture of the finished cookies.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even baking.
- Form the cookies: Remove the chilled dough, cut it into pieces, and roll each piece into a ball. Arrange the dough balls spaced evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a non-stick mat.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the cookies turn lightly golden around the edges.
- Finish and serve: Allow the cookies to cool slightly. Then, dip each cookie in milk briefly and immediately sprinkle with sugar for a sweet, slightly crunchy coating. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and maintains the texture of the cookies.
- You can use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice for a more intense lemon flavor, adjusting quantity to taste.
- For a softer cookie, avoid overbaking; remove as soon as edges turn golden.
- Sprinkling sugar after dipping in milk adds a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
