Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe!

Update : February 26, 2026

Homemade lemon sugar cookies on a baking tray

Why Make This Recipe

Lemon sugar cookies are a delightful treat that bring a burst of citrus flavor to your day. They are soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet with a zesty kick. These cookies are great for any occasion, from family gatherings to simple afternoon snacks. Plus, the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness that is hard to resist.

How to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

Cookie Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Glaze Ingredients:

1 cup powdered sugar
5 teaspoons lemon juice
Drops of vanilla (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until combined.
Add the egg, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the bowl. Mix well.
Stir in the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until the dough forms.
Use a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop to create cookie dough balls. Place them about 1.5 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 7 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a cooling rack.
While the cookies cool, make the glaze. Combine the lemon juice with the powdered sugar and add a couple of drops of vanilla, if desired. Mix until smooth. If needed, add a bit more lemon juice or water to reach your desired consistency.
Drizzle the glaze over the cookies and let them cool completely.

How to Serve Lemon Sugar Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. They can be enjoyed during celebrations or shared with friends for a simple dessert.

How to Store Lemon Sugar Cookies

To keep your lemon sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Lemon Sugar Cookies

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
Don’t skip the lemon zest; it enhances the cookies’ flavor.
Adjust the glaze consistency to your liking; add more lemon juice for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker one.

Variation

For chocolate lovers, you can add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a delicious twist. Alternatively, you can mix in nuts for some added crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use lemon extract instead of lemon juice?
Yes, you can use lemon extract if you want a stronger lemon flavor. Just use a smaller amount since it is more concentrated.

2. What if I don’t have unbleached flour?
You can use all-purpose flour in place of unbleached flour. The cookies will turn out just fine.

3. How long can I keep the glaze?
The glaze is best used immediately, but you can refrigerate it for a short while. Just make sure to stir it well before using again.