Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly.

#### Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later.

#### Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step helps create a soft, chewy texture for your cookies.

#### Step 4: Add the Egg, Lemon, and Vanilla
Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until it’s fully incorporated. Then, mix in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The lemon zest will infuse the cookies with that bright citrus aroma, and the juice adds a tangy depth of flavor.

#### Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

#### Step 6: Roll the Cookie Dough
Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion out the dough into small balls. Roll each ball in the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to coat them evenly. This gives the cookies a slightly crunchy, sugary exterior.

#### Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.

#### Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and retain their chewy texture.

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### Optional Glaze for Extra Zing

For an extra touch of sweetness and a burst of lemon flavor, you can drizzle a simple lemon glaze over your cookies once they’ve cooled.

**Glaze Ingredients:**
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest

**How to Make the Glaze:**
– In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and runny.
– Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a small piping bag.

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### Tips for Perfect Lemon Sugar Cookies:

– **Fresh Lemons**: For the best flavor, use fresh lemons for both zest and juice. The zest adds vibrant, aromatic oils, while the juice gives the cookies their signature tartness.
– **Chill the Dough (Optional)**: If you prefer a thicker cookie, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.
– **Make Them Bigger or Smaller**: You can adjust the size of the cookies based on your preference. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. Larger cookies may need an extra minute or two in the oven.
– **Storage**: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

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### Conclusion

These **Lemon Sugar Cookies** are the perfect treat when you’re craving something sweet, refreshing, and easy to make. With a light, chewy texture and a bright lemony flavor, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a holiday, or just because, these cookies are a delightful way to bring a little sunshine to your day. So grab your lemons, get baking, and enjoy the zesty goodness of homemade lemon sugar cookies!