Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These lemon sugar cookies are everything you want in a sweet treat: soft, buttery, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. The cream cheese adds a slight tang, while the generous use of lemon juice and zest brings a refreshing citrus kick. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are simple to make and are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Ingredients

2¾ cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
1½ cups sugar, divided into 1¼ cups and ¼ cup
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 lemon zest
1 egg

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and 1¼ cups of sugar until smooth and creamy. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest to the mixture and mix until incorporated.
Beat in the egg until fully combined.
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing in a little at a time until just combined.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to chill.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball in the remaining ¼ cup of sugar until fully coated.
Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies just begin to brown.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling time)

Variations

Add a glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Lemon and poppy seed: Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the dough for a delightful twist.
Citrus blend: Try using orange or lime zest instead of lemon for a unique flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months if you want to bake them at a later date.
Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy your cookies warm, place them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds, or reheat them in the oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe?

It’s best to use unsalted butter for the most accurate flavor, but if you only have salted butter, just omit the additional salt in the recipe.

How can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but if you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice will work as a substitute.

Can I add lemon extract to enhance the flavor?

Yes! If you want a stronger lemon flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon extract along with the vanilla.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are slightly golden brown. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure your flour blend includes xanthan gum to help with texture.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Why do I need to refrigerate the dough?

Refrigerating the dough allows the butter to firm up, helping the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhancing their soft texture.

Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?

Yes, you can adjust the size of the dough balls to your preference. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if you make them larger or smaller.

What makes these cookies soft?

The combination of butter and cream cheese, along with the chilling time, helps the cookies maintain their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Conclusion

These lemon sugar cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making them a hit for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just craving something fresh and flavorful, this recipe will not disappoint. With their simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be enjoying these delicious cookies in no time!