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Soft & Chewy Lemon Sugar Cookies

Ultra-soft and chewy lemon sugar cookies infused with fresh citrus flavor and optionally filled with creamy lemon buttercream.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 18 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Lemon Buttercream Filling
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp cream or milk

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then add egg, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until soft dough forms.
  5. Chill dough for 20–30 minutes for best texture.
  6. Scoop dough, flatten slightly, and place on baking sheet.
  7. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
  8. Cool on wire rack and prepare lemon buttercream by beating all filling ingredients until fluffy.
  9. Sandwich cookies with buttercream or enjoy plain.

Notes

Do not overbake to maintain soft and chewy texture. Chill dough for best results.