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Buttery, delicate, and kissed with bright citrus, these Lemon Sugar Cookies elevate the classic sugar cookie with a refreshing twist. Perfect for cookie boxes, tea parties, or your bakery case—they hold their shape beautifully and deliver professional-quality results every time.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Perfect texture – Soft yet sturdy, ideal for decorating
Bright lemon zest – Adds sophistication without overpowering
No-spread edges – Crisp, clean shapes every bake
30-minute chill only – Faster than most cut-out cookies
Ingredient Spotlight
| Ingredient | Role | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter | Tenderness & flavor | Use European-style (82% fat) for richer taste |
| ¾ cup granulated sugar | Sweetness & structure | Superfine sugar dissolves faster for smoother texture |
| 1 large egg | Binding & richness | Room temp incorporates better |
| 1 tsp vanilla extract | Flavor depth | Use clear vanilla for pure white cookies |
| 2¾ cups all-purpose flour | Structure | Weigh for accuracy (330g) |
| 1 tsp baking powder | Lift | Aluminum-free for no bitter aftertaste |
| ½ tsp salt | Flavor enhancer | Fine sea salt distributes evenly |
| 1 tsp lemon zest | Bright aroma | Microplane for finest zest |
Step-by-Step Professional Method
1. Creaming (The Foundation)
- Beat butter and sugar on medium-high for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy (not just combined!).
- Add egg and vanilla, mix 1 minute until emulsified.
2. Dry Ingredients
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt – aerate for lighter cookies.
- Gradually add to wet ingredients on low speed until just combined.
3. Lemon Zest Magic
- Fold in zest with a spatula until evenly distributed.
4. Chilling (Key Step!)
- Flatten dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, chill 30 minutes (up to 2 days).
5. Rolling & Cutting
- Roll ¼” thick between parchment (no flour needed!).
- Cut shapes, freeze 10 minutes before baking for sharp edges.
6. Baking
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes – edges should barely brown.
- Cool 5 minutes on sheet, then transfer to rack.
Pro Decorating Techniques
1. Royal Icing
- Use the 15-second rule: Drizzle a spoonful – it should smooth in 15 sec for flood consistency.
2. Sanding Sugar Edges
- Brush unbaked cookies with egg wash, dip in colored sugar.
3. Lemon Glaze
- Mix 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp lemon juice – drizzle for shine.
Business-Batch Adaptations
Large Batch (10 Dozen)
- 5 lbs butter
- 3¾ lbs sugar
- 10 eggs
- 5 tsp vanilla
- 5 lbs flour
- Mix in 3 batches for even incorporation
Shelf Life & Packaging
- Airtight container: 2 weeks (add silica packet)
- Freeze unbaked dough: 3 months
- Premium packaging: Cellophane sleeves with lemon-themed stickers
Flavor Variations
| Variation | Adjustment | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Lavender-Lemon | +1 tsp culinary lavender | Wedding cookies |
| Earl Grey | +1 tbsp ground tea leaves | Afternoon tea |
| Almond | Replace ¼ cup flour with almond flour | Holiday gifts |
Cost Analysis
| Ingredient | Cost/Batch | Cost/Dozen |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | $2.50 | $0.42 |
| Flour | $0.40 | $0.07 |
| Sugar | $0.30 | $0.05 |
| Total | $3.75 | $0.63 |
Retail Value: $8-12/dozen (decorated)
FAQ
Q: Can I omit lemon zest?
A: Yes – replace with orange zest or ½ tsp almond extract.
Q: Why do my cookies spread?
A: Butter too warm or undermeasured flour. Chill dough longer.
Q: Best icing for humidity?
A: Use meringue powder-based royal icing – sets harder.
More Easy TikTok Recipes to Try:Sugar Cookies
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sugar cookie
Description
Elevate your sugar cookie game with this recipe that combines the classic flavors of sugar, butter, and vanilla with a hint of lemon zest.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
Creamy Delight: Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Lemon Zest: Stir in the lemon zest to give the cookies a burst of citrus flavor.
Chill and Roll: Chill the dough for 30 minutes. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
Bake to Perfection: Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
