Ultimate Soft & Thick Lemon Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Welcome the sunshine and the joy of warmer days with these truly irresistible Soft & Thick Lemon Sugar Cookies. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a burst of refreshing, bright lemon flavor, perfectly balanced with a melt-in-your-mouth soft and delightfully thick texture. Easy to whip up, these frosted lemon sugar cookies are destined to become your go-to summer treat, ideal for backyard barbecues, picnic desserts, or simply a sweet escape on a sunny afternoon. Get ready to indulge in a cookie that perfectly captures the essence of summer!
Why These Lemon Sugar Cookies Will Be Your New Favorite
Every bite of these lemon sugar cookies offers a delightful experience. Here’s why this recipe stands out and quickly becomes a crowd-pleaser:
- Unrivaled Thick & Dense Texture: Forget flat, crispy cookies. Our recipe delivers an incredibly thick and substantial cookie with a perfect balance of melt-in-your-mouth softness and a satisfying, dense chewiness. Each cookie holds its shape beautifully and feels like a luxurious treat.
- Amazing When Chilled (Crumbl-Style): Long before the popular Crumbl Cookies, this recipe was perfected to have an incredible texture when served chilled. The cold enhances the density and the burst of lemon flavor, offering a delightful and unique eating experience that’s especially refreshing on a hot day. It’s like a little slice of lemon heaven straight from the fridge!
- Bright, Light Lemon Flavor: The secret to their vibrant taste lies in the careful combination of lemon extract and fresh lemon juice. This duo creates a refreshing, light “lemonade” flavor that’s zesty without being overpowering. For those who crave an extra citrus kick, feel free to double the lemon extract in the cookie dough for an even bolder taste.
- Effortlessly Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet appearance and exquisite taste, these cookies are surprisingly simple to bake. With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve perfect results every time.
- Irresistible Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Topped with a rich, tangy, and super creamy lemon cream cheese frosting, these cookies reach a new level of decadence. The frosting complements the cookie’s lemon flavor beautifully, adding a smooth, velvety finish that makes them utterly addictive.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer party, a bake sale, a holiday gathering, or just a treat for your family, these lemon sugar cookies are always a hit. Their cheerful appearance and bright flavor make them a versatile dessert for any event.
Essential Ingredients for Lemon Cookie Perfection
Crafting these delectable lemon sugar cookies requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving their signature taste and texture. We’ll be using a blend of pantry staples and fresh components to ensure maximum flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted for the cookies to achieve that dense, chewy texture, and softened for the creamy frosting.
- Granulated Sugar & Powdered Sugar: The combination of these two sugars is crucial. Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps with spread, while powdered sugar contributes to the soft, tender crumb of the cookie and is essential for the smooth frosting.
- Vanilla Extract & Lemon Extract: Vanilla adds a foundational warmth, while lemon extract delivers a concentrated, bright citrus punch to both the cookies and the frosting.
- Eggs & Egg Yolk: A whole egg provides structure and moisture, and an extra egg yolk is the secret to an even richer, chewier, and more tender cookie.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Our leavening agents that work together to give the cookies their ideal thickness and soft lift.
- Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The structural backbone of our cookies.
- For Frosting: Alongside butter, cream cheese, and extracts, you’ll need fresh lemon juice for that tangy zest, and more powdered sugar for a smooth, pipeable consistency.
Using high-quality ingredients will always yield the best results, so opt for fresh lemons and good quality extracts.
Video Tutorial
How to Make Thick Lemon Sugar Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Baking these delightful lemon sugar cookies is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to create your perfect batch of soft, thick, and wonderfully zesty treats.
Step 1: Crafting Your Lemon Cookie Dough
Begin by preheating your oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, preparing the stage for perfectly baked cookies. The magic starts with melted unsalted butter, which contributes significantly to the dense, chewy texture of these cookies. Combine it with both granulated and powdered sugars, mixing just until incorporated. This dual-sugar approach ensures a perfectly balanced sweetness and tender crumb.
Next, carefully add the eggs—one whole egg plus an extra yolk for added richness and chewiness—along with vanilla and lemon extracts. Beat these ingredients until they’re light and well combined, ensuring all those beautiful flavors are evenly distributed. Finally, gradually introduce your dry ingredients: baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix on low speed until the flour is just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should come together smoothly, ready for the next step.
Step 2: The Art of Scooping, Shaping, and Baking
Immediately after mixing, scoop the dough into generous 3-tablespoon sized balls. This is key, as the dough with melted butter can become dry and crumbly if left to sit too long. Once scooped, gently roll each portion into a smooth ball using your hands, then flatten the tops slightly to create thick discs. This simple technique is vital for achieving that desirable thick, even cookie without a domed top. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each.
Bake at 350℉ for 8-10 minutes. It’s crucial not to overbake; the cookies might look slightly underdone in the center, but they will continue to set on the hot baking sheet after they are removed from the oven. This ensures they remain incredibly soft and tender. The “magic number” in many ovens is 9 minutes, but trust your judgment. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a full 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period is essential for their final texture.
Step 3: Whipping Up the Zesty Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookies cool, it’s time to prepare the star of the show: the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting. In a large bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with chilled cream cheese. Using chilled cream cheese helps achieve a firmer, more stable frosting, perfect for piping. Beat these two ingredients on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is wonderfully light and creamy. This aeration creates a delightful texture.
Next, slowly add the vanilla extract, lemon extract, fresh lemon juice, and powdered sugar while the mixer is still on medium speed. Once everything is incorporated, crank the mixer up to high speed and beat for another 2 minutes. This final whip makes the frosting incredibly fluffy, smooth, and ready for spreading or piping. The consistency is ideal for creating beautiful swirls or simply spreading with a knife for a rustic look.
Step 4: The Finishing Touches and Decoration
Once your cookies are completely cool, it’s time for the most fun part – decorating! Pipe or spread a generous layer of the lemon cream cheese frosting onto each cookie. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle with yellow sugar sprinkles or a mix of colorful jimmies. To truly elevate their charm, add fun paper toppers, such as little lemon slices on toothpicks (links to SVG files for these toppers can often be found in the original blog post). These small details make your lemon sugar cookies not just a dessert, but a visual delight, perfect for lemonade stands, summer barbecues, or any celebration.
Materials
Soft & Thick Lemon Sugar Cookies
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (i.e. 1 ½ sticks) you will be melting this
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk (you will be using 1 whole egg + 1 extra egg yolk)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (i.e. ½ stick) room temperature
- 4 ounces cream cheese chilled (ie. straight from the fridge)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
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Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350℉. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a small glass bowl, microwave unsalted butter (¾ cups, i.e. 1 ½ sticks) until melted. Pour into large mixing bowl. Add in granulated sugar (½ cup) and powdered sugar (½ cup) and mix for 10 seconds.
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Add 1 egg + 1 yolk, vanilla extract (2 teaspoons), and lemon extract (½ teaspoon) and mix on medium speed for 20 seconds.
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Turn mixer to low speed, then add baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons), baking soda (½ teaspoon) and salt (¼ teaspoon). Mix for 10 seconds.
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Half cup at a time, add all-purpose flour (2 ½ cups) and mix until flour is just incorporated (about 10-20 seconds). Do not overmix.
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Immediately after mixing, scoop dough into 3-tablespoon sized balls. Lightly flatten each ball before placing on cookie sheet. (Because this has melted butter, do not let the dough sit out before rolling into balls & baking, or your dough will become dry and crumbly.)
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Bake at 350℉ for 8-10 minutes. (The magic number in my oven is 9 minutes) They may look underdone, but they will finish baking on the hot cookie sheet after you take it out of the oven. (Of course, because ovens bake differently use your best judgement to keep them in a minute longer if they look severely underbaked.)
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After removing from oven, allow the cookies to cool on the hot baking sheet for 10 minutes before removing them from cookie sheet.
To make frosting:
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In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter (¼ cup) and cream cheese (4 ounces) on medium speed using a hand or stand mixer (with paddle attachment) for 2-3 minutes (until light and creamy).
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Keeping the mixer on medium speed, slowly add in vanilla extract (1 teaspoon), lemon extract (½ teaspoon), fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon), and powdered sugar (1 ¼ cups). Once incorporated, turn mixer to high speed and beat for 2 minutes.
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Spread or pipe frosting on cooled cookies and top with sprinkles, if desired!
Last Step! Please leave a review and rating letting me know how you liked this recipe! This helps my small business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.
Nutrition
Expert Tips for Baking the Best Lemon Sugar Cookies
Achieving cookie perfection is all about the details. Here are some expert tips to ensure your Soft & Thick Lemon Sugar Cookies turn out absolutely flawless every time:
- Accurate Flour Measurement: Baking is a science! Always measure your flour using the spoon and level method. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly can compact the flour, leading to too much dry ingredient and a dry, crumbly cookie.
- Do Not Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough, dense cookies instead of the desired soft and tender texture.
- Don’t Overbake: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for soft cookies. The edges should be set and lightly golden, but the centers may still look a little underdone. They will continue to bake on the hot cookie sheet after being removed from the oven, resulting in that perfect soft chewiness.
- Chilled Cream Cheese for Frosting: While butter for the frosting should be at room temperature, using cream cheese straight from the fridge helps create a thicker, more stable, and pipeable frosting. It prevents the frosting from becoming too runny.
- Fresh Lemon Juice is Best: For the most vibrant and authentic lemon flavor, always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice over bottled varieties, especially in the frosting.
- Adjust Lemon Flavor to Your Liking: The recipe calls for ½ teaspoon of lemon extract in the cookies and frosting. If you prefer a stronger, more intense lemon flavor, feel free to increase the amount slightly (up to 1 teaspoon in each component), adjusting to your personal taste.
Delicious Variations to Try
While these lemon sugar cookies are perfect as is, they’re also incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to customize them:
- Lemon Zest Boost: For an even more aromatic lemon punch, add 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lemon zest to the cookie dough along with the liquid ingredients. You can also sprinkle a little zest on top of the frosting for a beautiful garnish and extra flavor.
- Simple Lemon Glaze: If you prefer a lighter topping than cream cheese frosting, whip up a quick lemon glaze. Combine powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until you reach a pourable consistency.
- Lemon Blueberry Cookies: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen (not thawed) blueberries into the cookie dough during the final stage of mixing for a delightful fruity twist.
- Mini Lemon Sugar Cookies: For smaller treats, scoop 1-tablespoon sized balls of dough and adjust baking time accordingly (typically 6-8 minutes).
Storage Instructions for Freshness
To keep your Soft & Thick Lemon Sugar Cookies tasting their best, proper storage is key:
- At Room Temperature: Frosted cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days, though refrigeration is generally recommended for cream cheese frosting.
- Refrigeration: For longer freshness, especially with the cream cheese frosting, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Bring them to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best soft texture, or enjoy them chilled for a delightful, dense treat!
- Freezing Baked Cookies: You can freeze unfrosted baked cookies for up to 3 months. Once completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature and then frost as desired.
- Freezing Cookie Dough: Form the dough into balls, flatten slightly, and flash freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making these delicious lemon sugar cookies:
- Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? While bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, fresh lemon juice provides a much brighter, more authentic, and vibrant flavor, especially for the frosting. It truly makes a difference in the overall taste profile.
- Why do my cookies spread too much? Several factors can cause cookies to spread: your butter might have been too warm (even melted butter needs to not be piping hot), your oven temperature might be too low, or you might have overmixed the dough (which can reduce its structure). Ensuring accurate flour measurement also helps prevent excessive spread.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free? I haven’t specifically tested a gluten-free version of this recipe, but typically, a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be substituted. Results may vary slightly in texture, so watch the baking time closely.
- How far in advance can I make the cookie dough? You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to make it easier to scoop and shape.
These Soft & Thick Lemon Sugar Cookies are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to embrace the cheerful flavors of summer. With their irresistible texture, bright lemon zing, and creamy frosting, they promise to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to bake a batch of pure sunshine.
Now I’m curious: If you had to choose between a rich chocolate cookie or a refreshing citrus cookie, which delightful treat would you pick to brighten your day?