Baking & Pastry > Cookies > Drop Cookies > Sugar Cookies Recipe (Soft)
Lemon Infused Soft Sugar Drop Cookies
Brighten your day with these zesty lemon sugar cookies! A burst of citrus flavor complements the soft and chewy texture. This recipe is simple, delightful, and perfect for lemon lovers. Follow the steps below for a perfect batch of lemon sugar cookies.
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Zest
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Combining the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed for consistent baking. Set aside.
Creaming the Butter and Sugar with Lemon Zest
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy. The lemon zest infuses the butter with a bright citrus flavor. Beat for approximately 3-5 minutes.
Adding the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, then stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice. Ensure all ingredients are well combined for a smooth batter.
Incorporating Dry into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can result in tough cookies.
Chilling for Best Results
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should be soft in the center.
Cooling and Serving
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy the fresh lemon flavor!
FAQ
-
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute. -
Can I add a lemon glaze?
Yes! A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice would be a delicious addition. -
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure the butter is not too soft and chill the dough before baking. -
How do I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness.