Joy + OliverEasy Lemon Sugar Cookies - Joy + Oliver https://joyoliver.com/easy-lemon-sugar-cookies/ Dessert & Entertaining Blog Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:09:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Easy Lemon Sugar Cookies https://joyoliver.com/easy-lemon-sugar-cookies/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=easy-lemon-sugar-cookies https://joyoliver.com/easy-lemon-sugar-cookies/#respond Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:13:40 +0000 https://joyoliver.com/?p=17001

If you love a classic sugar cookie with a bright citrusy twist, these Easy Lemon Sugar Cookies are for you. Soft, chewy and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, they are the kind of cookie that feels perfect year-round.

A white place with light yellow round cookies stacked on top.

Why You'll Love These Cookies

These lemon sugar cookies are perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and a pop of fresh lemon. They bake up soft in the center with lightly crisp edges and are finished with a dusting of lemon sugar for an extra layer of flavor. Simple ingredients, minimal prep and a big payoff make these a go-to cookies for any occasion.

Ingredient Notes

Five bowls filled with flour, eggs, light brown sugar, granulated sugar and lemon zest.

Fresh Lemons: Use fresh lemon zest in the cookies and an extra layer in the lemon sugar.

Granulated Sugar: Used in the dough and for rolling the cookies, going them a classic sugar cookie texture and lightly crisp exterior.

Light Brown Sugar: Adding the perfect amount of sweetness with a rich flavor.

Unsalted Butter: Make sure the butter is melted for a smooth and even baking.

Egg: Helps bind the dough and keep the cookies soft and tender.

Flour: All purpose flour is the flour that your need and make sure to measure carefully to avoid dense cookies

Baking Soda: Provides just enough lift to keep the cookies soft without making them cake.

A large white bowl with light brown batter next to a clear glass bowl with granulated sugar and a white cookie dough ball.

Tips for the Best Lemon Sugar Cookies

  • Don't Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to keep the cookies tender
  • Chill if needed: If your dough feels to soft, chill it for 20-30 minutes to help prevent spreading.
  • Underbake Slightly: Pull the cookies out when the centers look just set. They'll continue to firm up as they cool.
  • Extra Lemon Flavor: Add a little extra lemon zest to the sugar used for rolling for even more citrus punch.
A white place with light yellow round cookies stacked on top.

FAQ's To Make Easy Lemon Cookies

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be made up to 48 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. Let it soften slightly before scooping and baking.

Can I freeze lemon sugar cookies?

Absolutely! Freeze the baked cookie in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Can I add a glaze?

Yes! A simple lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice is delicious if you want an extra sweet finish.

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Easy Lemon Sugar Cookies

If you love a classic sugar cookie with a bright citrusy twist, these Easy Lemon Sugar Cookies are for you. Soft, chewy and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, they are the kind of cookie that feels perfect year-round.
Course Cookie, Cookies
Cuisine Cookies, Dessert
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 20
Calories 127kcal
Author Kristen Massad

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ Cup All Purpose Flour
  • ½ Teaspoon Baking Soda
  • ¼ Teaspoon Salt
  • ½ Cup Unsalted Butter Melted
  • ½ Cup Granulated Sugar
  • ¼ Cup Light Brown Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Lemon Zest
  • 1 Egg

Lemon Sugar

  • ½ Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Lemon Zest

Instructions

Lemon Sugar

  • Combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest and mix until combined; set aside until ready to use

Lemon Sugar Cookies

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a sheet pan with parchment paper
  • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside
  • In a small mixing bowl with paddle attachment combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar and lemon zest; mix until combined and creamy
  • Add the egg to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined
  • Slowly add the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture and beat on medium speed until smooth and fully comes together
  • Using a 2 tablespoon scoop or spoon, scoop the batter and gently roll to a ball
  • Roll each of the cookie dough balls in the Lemon Sugar and then place on the prepared sheet pan about 3 inches apart
  • Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes (cookies will still be very light in color…do not overbake)
  • Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely
  • Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days or freeze if you are not eating immediately

Nutrition

Serving: 1Cookie | Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 61mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 154IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

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