
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.

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!

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.