If you’re looking for a foolproof sugar cookie recipe that holds its shape while baking, these Roll-Out Lemon Sugar Cookies are the perfect choice! With a subtle lemon flavor and a crisp yet soft texture, they’re great for decorating with royal icing. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, you’ll love how easy these cookies are to make!
Roll-Out Lemon Sugar Cookies :
There’s nothing better than a batch of perfectly shaped, buttery sugar cookies—especially when they have a hint of refreshing lemon zest! These Roll-Out Lemon Sugar Cookies are delicious, easy to roll, and hold their shape beautifully, making them the best choice for cookie decorating. Whether for Christmas, birthdays, or any special occasion, this recipe will become your go-to!
History of the Recipe :
Sugar cookies date back to the 1700s in Europe, with early versions appearing in German and English baking traditions. The modern roll-out sugar cookie became widely popular in the United States, especially in Pennsylvania, where Amish and Mennonite bakers perfected their cut-out cookie recipes. Over time, variations like lemon-flavored sugar cookies emerged, offering a fresh and zesty twist to the classic vanilla-based dough. Today, lemon sugar cookies are a favorite for decorated cookies, as they provide a delicious flavor without overpowering the sweetness of royal icing.
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Roll-Out Lemon Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes, then transfer cookies to the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading and achieving crisp edges.
- For extra lemon flavor, add ½ teaspoon of lemon extract in addition to the zest.
Tips for Roll-Out Lemon Sugar Cookies :
- Rolling Tip: Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper for an even thickness without extra flour.
- Storage: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze dough discs for up to 3 months and thaw before rolling and cutting.
FAQs for Roll-Out Lemon Sugar Cookies :
Q: Why do my sugar cookies spread in the oven?
A: The most common reason is not chilling the dough. Make sure to refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before rolling and cutting.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Q: How do I make the cookies softer instead of crisp?
A: For softer cookies, bake for 1-2 minutes less and ensure they don’t overbrown.
Q: Can I use store-bought royal icing?
A: Absolutely! While homemade royal icing is easy to make, store-bought options work just as well for decorating.
Conclusion :
These Cookies are the ultimate sugar cookie recipe for decorating! With their buttery texture, light lemon flavor, and sturdy structure, they’re perfect for royal icing and special occasions. Whether you’re making them for the holidays or a fun weekend baking project, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.