Effortless Lemon Sugar Cookies

Category: Desserts That Transform Moments

Chewy and super lemony, these simple cookies are a snap to make with fresh lemon for a punch of flavor. Dip in milk or sprinkle more sugar if you want them extra yummy.
A woman in a white chef's coat smiles for the camera.
Created By Mia Laurent
Updated on Mon, 26 May 2025 21:00:15 GMT
Bright and Chewy Lemon Cookies That Everyone Loves Pin
Bright and Chewy Lemon Cookies That Everyone Loves | chefmiarecipes.com

When you bake, there’s just something about the way it brings folks together—these Lemon Sugar Cookies totally do that. They’re soft, full of bright lemon flavor, and so easy to snack on. If you’ve got friends dropping by, want a treat with your tea, or just need something sweet, these cookies won’t let you down.

The first time I made these, I put them out at a family get-together—gone in seconds. Everyone loved the lemon taste and that fluffy, soft bite.

Essential Ingredients Up Close

  • Cornstarch: Brings a gentle crumb and keeps every bite light.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure so the cookies aren’t a mess.
  • Milk: Helps all the parts stick together and adds a touch of moisture.
  • Lemon Juice and Zest: What gives that fresh citrus kick throughout.
  • Baking Powder: Makes them puff a bit so they’re not too dense.
  • Vegetable Oil: Locks in the soft texture without getting in the way of the lemon.
  • Eggs: Hold it all together and add softness.
  • Sugar: Sweetens things up and helps them stay tender.

Irresistible Lemon Sugar Cookies

Get the Wet Stuff Ready

Grab your mixing bowl and blend eggs, sugar, oil, lemon zest, and juice till you’ve got a smooth yellow mix. Try not to skip that zest—it takes the lemon taste up a notch.

Dry Mix Prep

In a different bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and cornstarch. Sift them so you don’t end up with clumps—it helps everything come out nice and even.

Bring Both Together

Bit by bit, drop the dry mix into your wet bowl. Stir until it just comes together and forms a dough. If you mix too much, the cookies might get tough, so take it easy.

Let Your Dough Chill

Stick some plastic wrap over the bowl and let it rest in the fridge for half an hour. Chilling keeps your cookies from getting flat while they bake and gives the dough a better texture.

Make Balls

Heat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Slice chilled dough and roll into balls. Lay them out on a lined baking tray with a bit of room so they don’t run into each other.

Baking Magic

Slide the cookies into the oven for around 15 minutes or till you see the edges turning a soft gold. Check a few minutes early—ovens don’t always agree on time.

Finish and Enjoy

Let cookies cool for a bit, dunk each in milk, then dust with sugar. You’ll get a light crunch and a little more sweetness to go with the lemon.

Lemon Sugar Cookies for Any Sweet Moment Pin
Lemon Sugar Cookies for Any Sweet Moment | chefmiarecipes.com

Using fresh lemons from my own tree makes me happy every time. The smell from the zest is amazing and reminds me of baking with my grandma during long sunny afternoons.

Ways to Serve Them

Hot and Cozy

Eat these while they’re still warm. Seriously comforting and so good.

Perfect with a Drink

Dunk them in your coffee or sip some tea on the side. Great for taking a break.

Share with Everyone

Stack these on a dessert tray or wrap some up as a cute gift for someone you care about.

Add Ice Cream

Put a few cookies by a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream when you want something extra sweet.

Twists to Try

Add Blueberries

Drop in some dried or fresh blueberries for fruity bits here and there.

Go Poppy Seed

Put in a tablespoon of poppy seeds—they’ll add crunch and look cool.

Make it Gluten-Free

Switch regular flour for a gluten-free one, and now everyone can grab a cookie.

Glaze ’Em

Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and drizzle all over for a shiny, sweet finish.

Herby Change-Up

Add just a bit of fresh thyme or basil if you want something a little fancier.

Keep and Warm Up

Freeze Ahead

Roll dough into balls and freeze. Toss the frozen ones in a bag—they’ll last up to three months and you can bake straight from the freezer.

Store the Baked Ones

Drop baked cookies into an airtight jar and keep them out on your counter for five days.

Warm ’Em Up Again

If you want that just-baked feel, pop a cookie in the microwave for a few quick seconds.

Baking Lemon Sugar Cookies is a great way to turn an ordinary day bright. Their fresh lemon taste and melt-in-your-mouth bite always put folks in a good mood. Whether you’re making a batch for a celebration or just snagging a treat for yourself, these are bound to make everyone happy. Grab a lemon and let’s get mixing!

Simple Lemon Sugar Cookies for Any Occasion Pin
Simple Lemon Sugar Cookies for Any Occasion | chefmiarecipes.com

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I add other flavors to these cookies?
Go for it! A dash of vanilla or some orange zest would be awesome.
→ Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Totally! Just switch the regular flour for your favorite gluten-free blend.
→ How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Toss them in a sealed container and they’ll be good on the counter for five days.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yep, store the dough in the freezer for up to two months. Let it warm up before baking.
→ Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh is the way to go, but bottled will do if you’re all out.

Effortless Lemon Sugar Cookies

Bright lemony cookies that are soft and chewy. Perfect for hanging out or bringing to a party.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Total Duration
30 minutes
Created By: Mia Laurent

Recipe Category: Sweet Comfort

Skill Level: Moderately Challenging

Recipe Cuisine: American

Recipe Yield: 20 cookies

Dietary Categories: Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredients You’ll Need

→ Wet Ingredients

01 Zest from half a lemon
02 50 ml (3 tbsp.) veggie oil
03 2 eggs
04 60g (½ cup) sugar
05 30 ml (2 tbsp.) fresh lemon juice

→ Dry Ingredients

06 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder
07 50g (¼ cup) cornstarch
08 210g (1 ⅔ cup) plain flour

→ For Coating

09 Sugar to dust on top
10 120 ml (½ cup) milk

Steps to Make It

Step 01

Once the cookies cool off, dip them in milk and then toss them with sugar for a sweet touch.

Step 02

Pop the tray in the oven for 15 minutes. Take them out when the edges get that golden color. Let them chill before moving on.

Step 03

Crank the oven up to 180°C (350°F). Grab bits of cold dough, roll them into little balls, and set them on your lined tray.

Step 04

Stick the dough in the fridge for half an hour. That way, it's easier to roll later.

Step 05

Slowly pour the dry mix into the wet stuff, stirring around until you've got a soft dough going.

Step 06

Mix the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder together in another bowl so everything's even.

Step 07

Beat together eggs, sugar, lemon zest, veggie oil, and lemon juice in a bowl. Get it nice and smooth.

Extra Information

  1. Want to switch things up? Add a tiny bit of salt or swap in lime or orange peel for some zing.
  2. Keep these cookies fresh in a sealed container at room temp—they'll be good up to 5 days.

Essential Tools

  • Bowls for mixing
  • Whisk
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper

Allergen Details

Review every item for allergen risks. Reach out to a healthcare expert for any concerns.
  • Has eggs
  • Made with gluten unless you go gluten-free on the flour

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

These figures are for general reference and shouldn’t replace expert medical guidance.
  • Caloric Content: 120
  • Fat Content: 4 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 18 grams
  • Protein Content: 2 grams