Cut-Out Butter Sugar Cookies with Lemon Zest

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Buttery, tender sugar cookies enhanced with fresh lemon zest, perfect for rolling and cutting into festive shapes. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers (226g), softened unsalted butter, (150g) granulated sugar, large egg into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 130 calories and feeds 30, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 30 American cuisine 130 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  2. Step 2: Beat in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest until well combined and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a firm dough forms.
  5. Step 5: Divide dough in half, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up for easier rolling.
  6. Step 6: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
  7. Step 7: Use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes and place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges just begin to turn golden.
  9. Step 9: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cut-Out Butter Sugar Cookies with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Cut-Out Butter Sugar Cookies with Lemon Zest?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cut-Out Butter Sugar Cookies with Lemon Zest?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cut-Out Butter Sugar Cookies with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 30 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 30). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cut-Out Butter Sugar Cookies with Lemon Zest?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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