Holiday baking is in full swing! Add some "zest" to your cookie baking selection with these lemon sugar cookies! These lemon sugar cookies will transform everyone into lemon lovers! Why? They're soft and chewy cookies with just the right amount of lemon! This holiday season I tried icing and they were amazing! I've updated this lemon sugar cookie recipe with an iced version as well. So here's 2 ways to enjoy the best lemon cookie ever!
I've made these cookies for years and everyone loves them. We have a HUGE lemon tree and I've become an expert how to use up lemons. Whether you are trying to use up lemons or just love lemons, this recipe is a keeper!
This lemon icing is amazing!!! I honestly can't decide if I like sugar coated or iced better. So I make both!
If you have an abundance of lemons like I do, I recommend zesting a bunch of lemons and freezing the zest. This jar was full and I would just spoon out zest whenever I needed it. Then you have lemon zest anytime you need it! So convenient!
Ingredients
2 sticks of butter (16 TBSP), softened
1 1/2 cups white granulated sugar
7 TBSP lemon zest, 1 TBSP set aside for coating
2 TBSP lemon juice (*tip* zest lemons before juicing them, it's much easier)
1 large egg
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
Coating for rolled sugar cookies
*If you're going to ice your cookies skip this coating
1/3 cup white granulated sugar for coating
1 TBSP lemon zest that was set aside
Icing
2 cups powdered sugar
3 TBSP lemon juice
3 TBSP lemon zest
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or line a cookie with parchment paper or use a silicone mat.
Mix butter, sugar, 6 TBSP lemon zest, lemon juice, egg and vanilla till combined.
In a separate large bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt till combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into wet ingredients with a large spoon till combined.
Cover the dough and refigerate for about 30 minutes. The stiffer dough will make the rolling process easier too.
Prepare the coating by mixing the white sugar and 1TBSP lemon that was set aside
Remove dough from the refrigerator and use a small cookie scoop to measure out each ball. I didn't fill up the scoop completely because I wanted smaller cookies. If you want larger cookies, make sure to add more baking time.
Now decide if you're going to coat cookies in sugar or ice them.
If you're coating in sugar - Roll each ball in the sugar/zest mixture till well coated. If you're going to ice your cookies skip this part.
Place on prepared cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 9-10 minutes, just till bottom is lightly brown.
Wait for 5 minutes before transferring cookies to a cooling rack.
If icing your cookies, mix the 2 cups powdwered sugar and 3 TBSP lemon juice together. Dip the top of the cookie in the icing and immediately sprinkle with lemon zest. Be sure icing is still wet so the zest sticks.
Notice my WELL loved silicone mat? Cuts down on waste and saves you money!
Soft, chewy and the perfect amount of lemon flavor!
These cookies are perfect for lemon lovers! Pack these up and give out as gifts! Consumable gifts are a great low waste idea! Or make them as a gift for yourself! Either way, enjoy and stay tuned for more yummy recipes!
Wanna try more cookies recipes? Try my Very Berry Strawberry cookie recipe! Click here for the recipe.
Try this Easy Toffee Cracker Cookie too! Perfect for the holidays or anytime!for Click here Easy Toffee Cracker Cookies.
Made these cookies this morning for a holiday party and OMG! I hope I have some left to serve by this evening! These cookies are a sure bet, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. These beauties are easy to make and the fresh lemon juice and zest offset the sweetness perfectly.