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The Tangiest Lemon Snickerdoodle Cookies You’ll Bake

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These cookies offer a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. A soft, chewy interior infused with bright lemon zest and juice is enveloped in a classic cinnamon-sugar coating, providing a subtle spice and a pleasant textural contrast. Each cookie is baked to a golden perfection, resulting in a comforting treat with a vibrant citrus finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Cookies:
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Coating:
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon for the coating. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until just combined.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons and roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar coating until fully covered.
  8. Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look soft.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother, more consistent dough.

Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added; this can lead to tough cookies.

For the best texture, avoid overbaking. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

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