Old Fashioned Lemon Sugar Cookies
These old fashioned lemon sugar cookies are your classic drop sugar cookie, but better because we’re adding lemon! These are just the thing for late winter or early spring when you want something with fresh flavors but also, you know… cookies! Kids love rolling these in sugar. You’ll love that there’s no frosting or rolling required.
These are quick to make and everyone will love them. If you bring these to a potluck or party, have the recipe handy—everyone will want it!
Table of Contents
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
We’re using fresh lemons here (no bottled stuff today). Most of the cookies’ flavor will come from the zest. A microplane grater will work the best, but if you don’t have one, any fine grater will work.
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These freeze so well. So, make a double batch to keep some ready to go when you have a craving. You can make adjustments in the recipe card at the bottom of this post by clicking the 2x and 3x.
Cookie Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Lemon Sugar
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
How to Make Old Fashioned Lemon Sugar Cookies
Step One: Getting Started
Heat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step Two: Making The Dough
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar with a mixer for 3-4 minutes until fluffy. Beat in the egg, then add the lemon zest and juice.
Slowly mix in the flour mixture until it just comes together. The dough will look crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Step Three: The Lemon Sugar Coating
Mix the sugar and lemon zest for the topping in a small bowl.
Step Four: Shaping And Baking
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each one in the lemon sugar. Place them 2 inches apart on your baking sheet.
Press each ball down slightly with the bottom of a glass.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Don’t overbake – you want them soft.
Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack.
Storage Instructions
Place the cookies in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for up to 10 days.
These freeze really well! Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months.
You can also freeze the dough before baking. Roll the dough into balls, coat them in lemon sugar, and freeze on a tray until firm. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
What to Serve with Lemon Sugar Cookies
These are great to serve at a bridal or baby shower, or for a spring party.
- Serve with a hot cup of tea like Earl Grey or chamomile.
- Or if it’s warm out, a refreshing glass of fresh lemonade or a glass of milk.
- The kids will love a cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Questions and Troubleshooting
Um, no. Fresh lemon juice has a brighter flavor that makes these cookies shine. Bottled juice will work if you’re in a pinch, but you might notice the flavor isn’t quite the same.
No, a regular tablespoon is just fine. The cookie scoop just helps keep everything even. If you’re eyeballing it, try to keep the sizes consistent.
That’s an easy fix! Just pop the dough in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. Chilling helps firm it up, so it’s easier to handle.
More Cookie Recipes
You can never have too many cookies. They will always get eaten, and it’s nice to have some extra tucked away in the freezer.
- If you’re a fan of classic sugar cookies, you’ll also love these soft and simple sugar cookies.
- Soft and tender with a hint of sweetness, try these sour cream cookies for a delicious variation.
- Have fun with the kids and cut cookies into your favorite shapes, with the best cut-out sugar cookie recipe. Everyone can pick their own icing and decorations.
Printable Recipe
Old Fashioned Lemon Sugar Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Baking Sheet
- Electric Mixer
- Cookie cutter (optional)
- Whisk or spatula
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Lemon Sugar
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
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Instructions
- Prep. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Set this aside.
- Cream butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the unsalted butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Then, beat in the egg, followed by the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Combine. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. The dough may appear crumbly at first, but should hold together when pressed.
- Make topping. Combine ½ cup of sugar in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Form the cookie dough balls. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to shape tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll each dough ball in the lemon sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten the cookies. Using the bottom of a glass, gently press each dough ball to flatten slightly.
- Bake. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cool and serve. Let the cookies cool completely before serving to settle the flavors and perfect the texture. Enjoy with a cup of tea or your favorite warm drink!
Notes
Nutrition
Love,
These looked SO good and tasted SO much better! Don’t question whether to try these or not! If you like a tender so sugar cookie and lemon, you’ll love these.