If you are craving a zesty treat that is as quick to whip up as it is delicious, these Easy No Chill Lemon Sugar Cookies are exactly what you need. Bursting with bright lemon flavor and a perfectly soft yet slightly crisp texture, this recipe skips the often tedious chilling step but still results in cookies that feel like they’ve been crafted with patience and love. Whether you’re new to baking or looking for a speedy sweet, these cookies strike the perfect balance of simplicity and irresistible flair.

Easy No Chill Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect lemon sugar cookie. From the tangy lemon zest and juice that brighten the flavor to the combination of baking soda and cornstarch that ensure a tender bite, every element is thoughtfully chosen to make this recipe shine.

White sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crispy exterior when rolled on the cookies.
Lemon zest: Packs an intense citrus aroma and flavor that defines the cookies.
Unsalted butter: Ensures richness and a tender crumb without extra salt.
Egg and egg yolk: Provide structure and moisture to the dough for soft results.
Fresh lemon juice: Enhances the natural lemon flavor and adds tangy brightness.
All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together while allowing a soft texture.
Corn starch: Great for softening the dough and maintaining tenderness.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for lightness and chew.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and accentuates the lemon notes perfectly.

How to Make Easy No Chill Lemon Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F and lining two cookie trays with parchment paper. Using parchment ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, plus you’ll use these trays twice so there’s no waste of time or clean-up.

Step 2: Create the Lemon Sugar

Mix the white sugar with fresh lemon zest right in the dough bowl using a sturdy spoon or your hands. This step infuses the sugar grains with fragrant citrus oils and gives the cookies charming flecks of lemon. Reserve a quarter cup of this lemon sugar for rolling the dough balls later — it’s a critical step for that signature sparkling sugar coating.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Add softened unsalted butter to the lemon-infused sugar and beat on a low to medium speed for about one minute. The goal here is a fluffy, creamy mixture, which lays the foundation for the cookie’s tender texture and rich flavor.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Lemon Juice

Beat in the whole egg, additional egg yolk, and fresh lemon juice. This trio adds moisture, structure, and a burst of fresh lemon brightness that makes these cookies so irresistible.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Tip in the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and kosher salt, then mix on medium speed until your dough thickens and comes together nicely. The cornstarch is a subtle secret for that melt-in-your-mouth softness, while baking soda ensures just a hint of lift.

Step 6: Form and Coat with Lemon Sugar

Scoop the dough with a 1 to 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, then roll each ball in the reserved lemon sugar until fully coated. This step brings a beautiful sparkle, sweetness, and a bit of texture contrast to your cookies once baked.

Step 7: Bake and Shape

Arrange the dough balls evenly on your prepared sheets, about eight per pan. Bake for 10 minutes until the edges start to set. While still warm, gently press each cookie into a perfect circle using a round cookie cutter moved quickly in a scooting motion. This neatens their shape and adds a polished, bakery-style finish.

Step 8: Garnish and Cool

Sprinkle extra fresh lemon zest on the hot cookies for a pop of color and intensified citrus aroma. Allow them to cool completely on the trays before digging in—it’s the best way to enjoy their ideal texture.

How to Serve Easy No Chill Lemon Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Adding a little extra zest right before serving brightens the cookies’ presentation and flavor. If you want to get fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a quick drizzle of lemon glaze can elevate their appeal for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair these lemon sugar cookies with a cup of soothing herbal tea, a refreshing lemonade, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance their citrusy zing with creamy sweetness. They also make excellent companions to light brunch spreads or picnic treats.

Creative Ways to Present

Display these beauties in a clear glass jar for countertop charm or stack and wrap them in parchment tied with a ribbon for delightful homemade gifts. You can even dip half the cookie in white chocolate for a decadent twist that’s sure to impress friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place your Easy No Chill Lemon Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to four days. Storing them properly preserves their tender texture and vibrant lemon flavor without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the unbaked dough balls by placing them on a tray to harden, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. You can also freeze fully baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To revive slightly stale cookies, warm them in a preheated 300° F oven for about 5 minutes. This will refresh their softness and bring back that fresh-baked aroma, making every bite taste like they’re straight from the oven.

FAQs

Can I make these lemon sugar cookies without chilling the dough?

Absolutely! This recipe is designed specifically as an Easy No Chill Lemon Sugar Cookies method, meaning you skip the wait and bake them right away without sacrificing texture or flavor.

What makes these cookies so soft without chilling the dough?

The combination of cornstarch and extra egg yolk helps keep the cookies tender while the lemon sugar coating adds just enough crispness on the outside for perfect balance.

Can I substitute any ingredients if I don’t have lemon?

If you want to switch up the citrus vibe, lime zest and juice work beautifully as a substitute. Just keep the same quantities, and you’ll get a lovely twist on this classic treat.

How should I store these cookies to keep them fresh longer?

Use an airtight container at room temperature, and keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to prevent drying. They stay fresh nicely for several days.

Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level accurately, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have. Just reduce or omit the added kosher salt to avoid over-seasoning.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend enough giving these Easy No Chill Lemon Sugar Cookies a try—they’re a breeze to make and delightfully delicious every single time. Their fresh lemon zing brightens any day, and the quick preparation means you get to enjoy that homemade goodness fast. Get ready to make these cookies a new favorite in your kitchen!

Easy No Chill Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 13 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Approximately 16 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Easy No Chill Lemon Sugar Cookies are a bright and refreshing treat perfect for any occasion. Soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, these cookies are quick to prepare without any chilling time required. Coated in a zesty lemon sugar, they offer a delightful citrus twist on a classic sugar cookie, making them a perfect snack or dessert to brighten your day.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C) and line two cookie trays with parchment paper. You will bake in batches and reuse these trays for all the cookies.
Make Lemon Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, add the white sugar then zest one lemon directly over the sugar. Mix thoroughly using a thick spoon or your hands to evenly distribute the zest. Remove 1/4 cup of this lemon sugar mixture and set it aside in a shallow bowl for coating the cookies later.
Cream Butter and Sugar: To the remaining lemon sugar in the bowl, add softened unsalted butter. Beat on low to medium speed for about one minute until the mixture appears creamy and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Lemon Juice: Add the whole egg, egg yolk (discard the white), and fresh lemon juice to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix again on medium speed for about 30 seconds until fully incorporated.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, corn starch, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until a thick dough forms.
Shape and Coat Cookies: Scoop out cookie dough portions using a 1 to 2 tablespoon cookie scoop. Roll each portion between your palms to form balls, then roll them thoroughly in the reserved lemon sugar mixture to coat.
Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the coated dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared cookie sheets, fitting about 8 cookies per sheet.
Bake Cookies: Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven. They should be set but still soft in the centers.
Shape Cookies: Immediately after removing from the oven, use a larger round cookie cutter to gently scoot over each cookie in a fast circular motion, shaping them perfectly round while warm.
Garnish and Cool: Optionally, sprinkle additional lemon zest on top of the warm cookies for extra brightness. Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before enjoying.

Notes

Do not chill the dough — this recipe is designed for quick baking without chilling.
Using fresh lemon juice and zest is key for the bright lemon flavor.
Be sure to beat the butter and sugar until fluffy for the best cookie texture.
You can substitute corn starch with potato starch if unavailable.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For extra lemon zing, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie (about 30g)
Calories: 150 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 95 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 19 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg

Keywords: lemon sugar cookies, no chill cookies, easy lemon cookies, lemon zest cookies, soft lemon cookies