These soft and chewy sugar cookies boast of bright lemon and a hint of almond for a festive treat this season that is sure to brighten your days.
Sugar cookies come in all shapes and sizes, so I've learned over the past few years. We're mostly familiar with the traditional thicker cookie decorated in royal icing, but like many other cookies, these holiday gems are incredibly versatile.
Inspired by lemon drops, today's sugar cookies are a perfect cross between the two, lending a cake-like texture to the beloved classic.
The beauty in this recipe lies in its simplicity. It's an all butter batter meaning that unlike some other variations, you don't need cream cheese. The dough is soft yet pliable enough to roll in sugar before baking, though you could certainly forgo this step and ice these cookies instead. Another fun option is frosting them if icing isn't really your think. Today, I finished them off with a dusting of confectioner's sugar.
Now, the key to a soft cookie really depends on the baking time. Like with most cookies I bake, I take them out slightly under-baked and let rest on the hot tray for a minute before transferring them to the cooling rack. This method ensures that the cookies stay soft even after they cool. My recommended time is 10 minutes but it can also depend on your oven temperature. You'll know the cookies are done when they crack ever so slightly and the edges are turn very light golden.
Lemon, vanilla, and almond are the key flavors. The touch of almond gives these a more wintry-touch in my opinion and play well into the lemon and sweet vanilla.
If you're not a fan of almond flavoring, you can actually omit the extract. It won't change the consistency of the dough or the outcome. Lemon and vanilla is still a winning combo.
These cookies will make a bright and pleasant addition to your holiday cookie box. I hope you try them soon and love them as much as I do!
Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 dozen cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- Zest of 1 small lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 2 cups AP flour
- 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Crystalized sugar, for rolling
- Confectioner's sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In the bowl of your mix master, beat butter and sugar until combined. Add egg, vanilla, almond extract, lemon zest, and milk. Beat on medium speed until whipped.
- Add flour, salt, baking powder. Mix to combine until a soft dough comes together.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon worth of dough. Roll between your hands into a ball and roll in crystalized sugar. Flatten slightly and place on the prepared baking sheets. You should be able to fit 4 rows of cookies on each sheet, with four cookies in each row.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cookies are slightly cracked and the edges are a pale golden color. Remove and let cool on the cookie sheet for about 1 minute. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before dusting with confectioner's sugar.
- Cookies can be stored fresh in an air-tight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Today I finally get to share with you something that’s been in the works here at LTG for some time. I’m excited to be one of Google’s paid early testers for their Thank with Google pilot program!
Thank with Google is an experimental feature that allows you to purchase a virtual sticker and directly show your appreciation for content on my website. As a loyal supporter, you can now feel more connected and engaged with me because you have the ability to express yourself and share what my work means to you.
It’s just in time for the holiday season so if you come across a recipe you really love and want to share it with your friends and family, you can do so in a new and unexpected way.
This upcoming feature is revolutionary for how the audience and publishers interact. I’ve said it so many times throughout the years, but blogging has connected me with so many wonderful people, many of whom I have been lucky enough to call friends.
When I started blogging, it was just a hobby to share what I love- family recipes. Over the years it grew into something I could never have expected- a community of foodies who share in the same passion. Aside from food though, you have shared with me so many considerable moments over the years- hardships, and celebrations and all the holidays in between. I truly consider you all extended family now and you’ve filled my heart in ways I could never properly express.
Being a part of this program is exciting to me as we now get to interact in a more personal way. I really love the variety of different stickers that are available to use, and every time you decide to send a paid sticker, you can add a personal message too! For me, these virtual stickers can translate into direct revenue to support the work that goes into the content that you enjoy on my blog.
You can find the Thank with Google widget on my sidebar or at the top and bottom of each blog post. If you test it out let me know what you think! As always, thank you for your support and kindness. Wishing you and yours a beautiful and blessed holiday season!
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Fay D says
I’m visiting my mum for the holidays this weekend as we’re actually away over Christmas. I’m going to make these with her as they are right up her street!
Heather Castillo says
I can almost taste these, just by reading the recipe. I can't wait to make them!
Talya Stone says
Oh yum! Definitely going to put this on my list of holiday bakes. I haven't tried making lemon versions before.
Elizabeth Williams says
These sound a look delicious. I like the sound of a more cake-like texture and lemon flavoured cookies are a favourite of mine. Perfect for giving this Christmas too.
David J Myers says
Catherine, We love a good sugar cookie and chewy is the best form for them. Lemon is yet another layer to kick them up one more notch! Yum! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
MELANIE EDJOURIAN says
I love making cookies with the kids. These lemon cookies sound great, I've made something similar in the past and it went down well.
Yeah Lifestyle says
I am always looking for a cookie recipe to try and this looks easy and delicious at the same time especially with the lemon flavour
Jupiter Hadley says
I love lemon cake but have never heard of Lemon Cookies! I will have to try these - how wonderful.
Lily says
Great for a holiday cookie exchange. These looks so delish
Thena Franssen says
I love cookies hat are soft and chewy! With the added lemon flavor, these are on my radar!