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Close up of deeply crinkled lemon sugar cookies with granulated sugar crystals and fresh lemon zest visible. (Lemon Sugar Cookies)

Lemon Sugar Cookies: Thick, Soft-Baked, and Ultra-Zesty

These thick, soft-baked Lemon Sugar Cookies feature a deeply crinkled exterior, a heavy coarse sugar coating, and fresh lemon zest. Perfectly balanced with a light powdered sugar dusting for an authentic, bakery-style finish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Lemon Cookie Components
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Room temperature (226g)
  • 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar 300g
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Zest 12g
  • 1 large Egg Room temperature
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice 30ml
  • 2 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour 345g
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda 5g
  • 1/2 tsp Cream of Tartar 2g
  • 1/2 tsp Salt 3g
  • 1/2 cup Coarse Granulated Sugar For rolling (100g)
  • 2 tbsp Powdered Sugar For dusting (15g)

Equipment

  • 1 Stand Mixer Or hand mixer
  • 1 Microplane Zester For fine lemon zest
  • 1 Cookie Scoop 2-tablespoon size
  • 2 Baking sheet Lined with parchment

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. In a stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter, 1.5 cups granulated sugar, and lemon zest for 3-5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  2. Mix in the egg and lemon juice until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Whisk flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Slowly add to the wet mixture on low speed until just combined.
Shape and Bake
  1. Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in the coarse granulated sugar until heavily encrusted.
  2. Place on lined sheets and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and tops are crinkled.
  3. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack. Once cold, dust lightly with powdered sugar.

Notes

Do not overbake; the centers should still look soft when removed from the oven.
Use fresh lemons only; bottled juice lacks the necessary acidity and brightness.
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