Delight in the refreshing zing of these Lemon Sugar Cookies! With a combination of sweet sugar and tangy lemon, they promise to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you're enjoying them on a summer day or bringing some sunshine to a winter afternoon, these cookies are sure to be a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling cookies in
Instructions:
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Once combined, set this aside for later use.
- Lemon Sugar Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Rub the two together using your fingers, allowing the zest to infuse the sugar and bring out a more pronounced lemon flavor. Pour the melted butter into this mixture and use an electric mixer to blend until it's absorbed by the sugar.
- Wet Ingredients: Introduce the egg and egg yolk into the sugar mixture. Beat until the two are well-incorporated. Following this, mix in both the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Ensure the sides of the bowl are scraped down as needed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Blend just until you achieve a consistent dough.
- Chill: Cover your mixing bowl and place the dough inside the refrigerator, allowing it to chill for a minimum of 2 hours.
- Preheat and Prep: Once you're nearing the end of the chilling period, begin preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape Cookies: After chilling, quickly scoop and shape the dough into balls using a medium cookie scoop. It's essential to work swiftly here to ensure the dough remains relatively cold before baking. Coat each dough ball by rolling it in granulated sugar. Place them on your prepared cookie sheet, ensuring there's a spacing of about 3 inches between each.
- Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven, letting them bake for approximately 10-12 minutes. Once done, the edges should be set, and the centers should remain soft.
- Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for around 5 minutes. After this, transfer them to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely.
Serving Suggestion: These cookies are fantastic on their own, but for an extra touch of zest, consider pairing them with a lemon glaze or serving them alongside a cup of tea infused with a slice of fresh lemon. Enjoy your delectable lemon treats!
