Description
This Soft Sugar Cookies recipe yields tender, buttery cookies with a delicate lemon zest and vanilla flavor. They are rolled in sugar before baking to create a slight crunch outside while remaining soft and chewy inside. Perfect for decorating with frosting and sprinkles for festive occasions or enjoying as a simple treat.
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 for Decoration
- Pre-prepared frosting
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined. Set aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a hand mixer on medium speed, cream together the softened salted butter, ½ cup of the granulated sugar, and the brown sugar. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Flavorings: Add the egg, lemon zest, and pure vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while continuing to mix. Mix until a thick dough forms that is not sticky to the touch.
- 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 Cookie Dough Balls: Scoop the dough and roll it into 2-inch diameter balls using your hands.
- Coat Dough in Sugar: Lightly roll each dough ball in the granulated sugar until evenly coated. Place the coated balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch for the edges to begin turning golden brown while the centers remain soft with small cracks on top.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Optional Decoration: Once completely cooled, frost the cookies with pre-prepared frosting and add sprinkles if desired for a festive touch.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and egg are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Do not overbake; cookies should look slightly underdone in the center for softness.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the brightest flavor.
- The sugar coating enhances texture and adds a nice sparkle to the cookies.
- Store in an airtight container to keep cookies soft for up to a week.
