There’s something wonderfully uplifting about baking cookies, especially when they have a bright, zesty flavor. Lemon Drop Sugar Cookies bring a ray of sunshine into any day. They’re soft, chewy, and have that tangy kick from fresh lemon juice. When I bake these at home, the whole place fills with a refreshing aroma that makes everyone smile. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms the heart. Plus, they’re super easy to make, which is perfect for beginner bakers. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
why make this recipe
First off, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just want something sweet for yourself, they fit the bill! The combination of buttery goodness with a lemony twist creates a treat that’s light yet delicious. Plus, these cookies can bring joy to a rainy day or add cheer to a sunny one. There’s just something special about enjoying a cookie that reminds you of bright, sunny days!
how to make Lemon Drop Sugar Cookies
Let’s gather our ingredients and get started on these lovely cookies!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The scent of warm cookies is coming soon!
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to mix everything evenly.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins!
- Beat in your eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The fresh lemon juice adds a bright flavor that you’ll adore.
- Gradually stir in the flour mixture until it’s just combined. Don’t overdo it – we want soft, lovely cookies!
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can make them as big or small as you like; just keep them uniform for even baking!
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for that perfect texture.
how to serve Lemon Drop Sugar Cookies
Serve these cookies fresh out of the oven with a cup of tea or a glass of lemonade. They also make a delightful treat at gatherings or as a sweet snack during the day. Feeling fancy? Dust them with a little extra powdered sugar just before serving for a pretty touch!
how to store Lemon Drop Sugar Cookies
To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just layer them between parchment paper and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw a few at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes!
tips to make Lemon Drop Sugar Cookies
Here are a few tips to help you bake the best lemon cookies:
- Use fresh lemons for the zest and juice. They add so much flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.
- Don’t skip the resting time! Letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet helps maintain their soft texture.
- If you love a little crunch, try adding a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking.
Sometimes, simple variations create delightful surprises. You can mix in some white chocolate chips or even add a handful of dried cranberries for a pop of color. These little changes keep the recipe exciting. Plus, they might remind you of other treats like my cranberry orange scones!
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can! Just omit the extra salt in the recipe if you do.
Can I substitute the lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice works best, you can experiment with other citrus like lime or orange. They’ll bring a different flavor profile but still taste great!
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for a light golden edge with a slightly soft center. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
Baking these Lemon Drop Sugar Cookies together will fill your kitchen with joy and zest! I know they’ll become a favorite in your home just as they are in mine. Let’s enjoy the process and treat ourselves to something sweet today!
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Lemon Drop Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bright and zesty Lemon Drop Sugar Cookies that are soft, chewy, and full of fresh lemon flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in your eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For added flavor, use fresh lemons for zest and juice. You can also add coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, lemon cookies, dessert, baking, sweet treats
