Lemon Sugar Cookies
These cookies were the surprise breakout star of Christmas 2022. While I love chocolate and spice and all things nice, the perfect texture and ethereal lemon flavor of these cookies won me over.
Ingredients
- Cookies
- 2 cups (284 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks, 170 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest, from 2-3 lemons
- 1 large egg plus 1 large yolk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Coating Sugar
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
Equipment
- 2 or 3 tbsp cookie scoop
Directions
- Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350°. Line 3 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or silpats.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Whisk together then set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Add the sugar and lemon zest and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the egg, yolk, lemon extract and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed until combined.
- Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until combined.
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest for the coating sugar; use your fingers to gently rub the lemon zest into the sugar.
- Form the dough into balls (about 3 tablespoons/2 oz/57 grams) and roll each ball in sugar to coat. Use the back of a metal measuring cup or glass to flatten each ball into a circle about 2” across.
- Tip: dip the bottom of the glass into the coating sugar to keep it from sticking.
- Place 6 cookies on each baking sheet. Bake one pan at a time, rotating halfway through, for 10 minutes. Give the pan a slight tap, then continue baking until the sides of the cookie are light golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes more.
- Transfer pan to wire rack and let the cookies cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.
Source: 100 Cookies by Sarah Kieffer