Lemon Sugar Cookies

Lemon Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balance sweetness and citrus zing. With a soft, chewy texture and a refreshing lemon glaze, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
2. Add Egg and Lemon: Beat in the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Shape and Bake: Roll the chilled dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Prepare the Lemon Glaze (Optional): While the cookies are baking, mix the powdered sugar with lemon juice and zest until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies if desired.
8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. The prep time is about 20 minutes, while the cooking time is 10-12 minutes. With chilling time included, the total time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Variations

• Lemon Poppy Seed: Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the dough for an added crunch and flavor.
• Lemon Blueberry Cookies: Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Iced Variation: For a thicker icing, increase the powdered sugar in the glaze for a frosting-like topping.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter?
   Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe.
2. How can I make the cookies softer?
   Do not overbake the cookies; they should be soft in the center when removed from the oven.
3. What can I use instead of lemon juice?
   Lime juice can be used for a different citrus flavor, but it will change the overall taste.
4. Can I skip the chilling step?
   Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
5. Can I add more lemon zest?
   Yes, you can increase the lemon zest for a stronger lemon flavor.
6. What if I don’t have lemon extract?
   You can simply use more lemon zest and juice to enhance the lemon flavor without extract.
7. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled for larger batches.
8. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers may look slightly underbaked.
9. What if my dough is too sticky?
   If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
10. Can I freeze the dough?
    Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Conclusion

Lemon Sugar Cookies are a bright and refreshing addition to any dessert table. Their zesty flavor and soft texture make them irresistible, while the optional lemon glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness. Whether enjoyed at home or shared with friends, these cookies are sure to delight anyone who takes a bite.

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