If you’ve been searching for a treat that’s tender, flavorful, and a little zesty, look no further than this Soft Sugar Cookies with Lemon Zest and Optional Frosting Recipe. These cookies bring together the classic comfort of soft sugar cookies with a bright twist from fresh lemon zest, making each bite refreshingly delightful. Whether you enjoy them plain, frosted, or sprinkled with a little extra fun, these cookies are irresistibly soft and perfectly balanced, making them a beloved recipe you’ll want to keep close for all occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Trust me, the beauty of this Soft Sugar Cookies with Lemon Zest and Optional Frosting Recipe is in the simplicity of the ingredients. Every single one plays a role in creating that dreamy texture, subtle tang, and luscious sweetness you’re going to love.
- All-purpose flour (2¼ cups): The backbone of the cookie, providing structure and that soft chew.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just right and become wonderfully airy.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Works alongside baking soda for a perfect tender crumb.
- Salted butter (¾ cup, room temperature): Brings richness and moisture for the soft texture.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup total): Sweetens the dough and creates a delicate crust when rolled before baking.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds a hint of caramel flavor and keeps the cookies soft.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds everything together while contributing to softness.
- Lemon zest (¼ teaspoon): The star of the show for that refreshing citrus pop.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
- Pre-prepared frosting (optional): Adds a creamy, sweet finish but feel free to skip if you want a pure cookie experience.
- Sprinkles (optional): For a fun burst of color and texture, especially great for celebrations.
How to Make Soft Sugar Cookies with Lemon Zest and Optional Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick and clean-up stays easy—always a win in my book.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a bowl. This pre-mixing ensures that your leavening agents are evenly spread throughout the dough, giving your cookies a nice rise and perfect crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the room temperature butter with half the granulated sugar and all the brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a soft cookie—don’t rush it!
Step 4: Add the Egg, Lemon Zest, and Vanilla
Mix in the egg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. The lemon zest here injects that vibrant citrus flavor that sets these cookies apart from your typical sugar cookie.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into your wet ingredients, continuing to mix gently. You want a thick dough that’s not sticky—if it feels too wet, a little extra flour won’t hurt.
Step 6: Prepare the Rolling Sugar
Pour about ¼ cup of granulated sugar into a shallow bowl. This is going to give the cookies that slight crunch and sparkle on the outside.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Scoop the dough and roll into 2-inch balls with your hands. These manageable sizes bake evenly and stay perfectly soft in the center.
Step 8: Coat the Dough Balls in Sugar
Roll each ball lightly in the granulated sugar you prepared earlier, then gently place them on your lined baking sheet. This sugar coating adds a delightful texture after baking.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye—the edges should start turning golden while the centers remain soft with charming cracks on top. That’s your cue to pull them out!
Step 10: Cool Before You Dive In
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This short rest lets them set up without losing their softness.
Step 11: Optional Frosting Fun
Once cooled, feel free to frost the cookies and add sprinkles if you like. The frosting adds an extra creamy sweetness and makes these cookies a fantastic festive treat.
How to Serve Soft Sugar Cookies with Lemon Zest and Optional Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Lemon zest itself is a simple but magical garnish. For an extra touch, sprinkle some finely grated lemon zest on top of frosted cookies or add a pinch of colorful sprinkles for a playful vibe. These little extras can really elevate the presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these soft sugar cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea to enhance the rich sweetness and refreshing lemon notes. On a brunch table, they also complement fresh berries and yogurt beautifully for a balanced, bright dessert option.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few cookies on a decorative plate with a drizzle of homemade lemon glaze for a stunning display, or sandwich them with lemon cream or jam for an irresistible snack. Wrapping cookies individually in clear bags tied with a ribbon makes a thoughtful homemade gift that anyone will relish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and flavorful for up to a week—perfect for savoring slowly or sharing with friends.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully either baked or as dough balls. For dough, freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen with an extra minute or two added to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked softness, warm your cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. Just be careful not to overdo it to avoid drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Absolutely. If you use unsalted butter, just add a pinch of salt to your dry ingredients to balance the flavors and keep that perfect cookie taste.
What if I don’t like lemon? Can I leave it out?
You can skip the lemon zest if you prefer a classic sugar cookie flavor. The cookies will still be deliciously soft and sweet with vanilla notes shining through.
Is frosting necessary for these cookies?
Not at all! The frosting is optional and adds an extra layer of sweetness and texture, but the cookies are wonderful on their own or simply rolled in sugar.
How big should I make the cookie dough balls?
About 2-inch balls are ideal. They bake evenly and remain soft in the middle while achieving a slight crisp at the edges.
Can I use this recipe for cut-out cookies?
This dough is best for rolled or drop cookies because of its soft texture. For cut-out shapes, a firmer dough or chilling before cutting is recommended, but this recipe shines as soft, pillowy rounds.
Final Thoughts
This Soft Sugar Cookies with Lemon Zest and Optional Frosting Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate — wonderfully soft, with a subtle zing of lemon that wakes up every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a casual afternoon treat, or just because, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. So grab your ingredients and enjoy the simple joy of homemade cookies that bring a little sunshine into every moment.
Print
Soft Sugar Cookies with Lemon Zest and Optional Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 26 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These soft sugar cookies are a classic treat with a tender, chewy texture and a lightly crisp edge. Made with a blend of granulated and brown sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla, these cookies are delicious enjoyed plain or decorated with your choice of frosting and sprinkles for a festive touch. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake to perfection in just minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (270 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (6 grams)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (2 grams)
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup salted butter (170 grams, room temperature, 1½ sticks)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams, divided)
- ½ cup brown sugar (107 grams)
- 1 large egg (50 grams, room temperature)
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
Optional
- Pre-prepared frosting
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a hand mixer, cream the room temperature butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Flavorings: Add the egg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars. Mix until everything is well incorporated and smooth.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients while continuing to mix. Mix just until a thick dough forms; it should be firm but not sticky.
- Prepare Sugar Coating: Pour the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar into a shallow bowl, which will be used to coat the cookie dough balls.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop the dough and roll it into 2-inch diameter balls using your hands, working gently to maintain the dough’s texture.
- Coat Dough Balls: Roll each dough ball lightly in the granulated sugar to coat the outside, then place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until the edges begin to turn golden brown. The centers will look soft and crackled, indicating they are perfectly soft-baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate (Optional): Once completely cooled, frost the cookies with your preferred frosting and add sprinkles if desired for a festive finish.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookies to ensure they remain soft and chewy inside.
- Room temperature butter and egg help achieve the best texture when creaming ingredients together.
- The lemon zest adds a subtle brightness that enhances the overall flavor but can be omitted if desired.
- Chilling the dough is not necessary but can help prevent spreading if desired.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
