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
Scale
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.
