YT Recipe

Martha Stewart's Old Fashioned Lemon-Sugar Cookies

Martha Stewart's Old Fashioned Lemon-Sugar Cookies is a easy American recipe that serves 24. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Martha Stewart on YouTube.

Prep: 11 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 51 min

Cost: $3.86 total, $0.16 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 sticks Unsalted Butter (softened, room temperature)
  • 1.75 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 0.25 cup Light Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 2 Large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest (from a bright lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice (approximately juice of half a lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons Sanding Sugar (sprinkled on top for sparkle)
  • 1 teaspoon Water (brushes tops to help sugar adhere)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl whisk together 3 cups all‑purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt until light and free of lumps.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Cream Butter and Sugars

    In the bowl of a hand mixer, beat 2 sticks softened unsalted butter with 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar and ¼ cup packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.

    Time: PT4M

  3. Add Eggs and Lemon

    Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Then stir in 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

    Gradually add the whisked flour mixture to the butter‑sugar‑egg mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not over‑mix.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Preheat Oven

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  6. Prepare Baking Sheets

    Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Portion and Top Cookies

    Using a tablespoon or small ice‑cream scoop, place three mounds of dough onto each sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each mound with the palm of your hand, brush the tops with a tiny amount of water, then sprinkle with sanding sugar.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Bake

    Bake the cookies for 15 minutes, or until the edges are a light golden brown and the tops look set.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Cool

    Remove the sheets from the oven, let the cookies sit for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
1 g
Carbohydrates
19 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
0.5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs, Citrus

Last updated: March 17, 2026

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Martha Stewart's Old Fashioned Lemon-Sugar Cookies

Recipe by Martha Stewart

A classic American drop cookie infused with bright lemon zest and juice, featuring a buttery crumb, a lightly crisp edge, and a sweet sanding sugar topping. Easy to make and perfect for everyday treats or special occasions.

EasyAmericanServes 24

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
21m
Prep
27m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
58m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.86
Total cost
$0.16
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Creaming butter and sugars until light and fluffy
  • • Incorporating dry ingredients without over‑mixing
  • • Preheating the oven to the correct temperature
  • • Baking until golden edges appear

Safety Warnings

  • • Handle the hot oven and baking sheets with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • • Use caution when zesting lemons; the microplane blade is sharp.
  • • Do not let melted butter splatter; keep the mixer speed moderate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Old-Fashioned Lemon Sugar Cookies in American cuisine?

A

Old‑fashioned sugar cookies date back to early 20th‑century American home baking, when simple butter‑sugar doughs were a staple for holidays and everyday treats. Adding lemon zest became popular in the 1930s as a way to brighten the flavor without adding extra sweetness.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of lemon sugar cookies in the United States?

A

In the Northeast, lemon sugar cookies are often rolled thin and cut with cookie cutters, while the Midwest favors a thicker, drop‑style cookie like this recipe. Some Southern versions incorporate buttermilk for extra tenderness.

cultural
Q

How are Old-Fashioned Lemon Sugar Cookies traditionally served in American households?

A

They are typically served at tea time, with coffee, or as a snack during holiday gatherings. The cookies are often presented on a decorative platter alongside other classic cookies such as snickerdoodles and chocolate chip varieties.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are Old-Fashioned Lemon Sugar Cookies associated with in American culture?

A

These cookies are popular for spring celebrations like Easter, for summer picnics, and for holiday cookie exchanges because the bright lemon flavor pairs well with festive décor and springtime desserts.

cultural
Q

What makes Old-Fashioned Lemon Sugar Cookies special or unique in American cookie tradition?

A

The combination of a buttery, tender crumb with a fresh lemon zing and a sparkling sanding‑sugar topping sets them apart from plain sugar cookies, offering both visual appeal and a refreshing citrus note.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Old-Fashioned Lemon Sugar Cookies versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include all‑purpose flour, unsalted butter, granulated and light brown sugars, large eggs, fresh lemon zest and juice, and sanding sugar. Acceptable substitutes are gluten‑free flour blends, margarine for butter, coconut sugar for granulated sugar, and lemon extract if fresh lemon is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with Old-Fashioned Lemon Sugar Cookies?

A

They pair beautifully with a cup of black coffee, Earl Grey tea, or a glass of chilled milk. For a dessert platter, serve them alongside lemon bars, shortbread, or fruit tarts.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Old-Fashioned Lemon Sugar Cookies?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the dough, which creates a tough cookie, using butter that is too warm, leading to excessive spreading, and under‑baking, which leaves the centers soft and pale. Chill the dough briefly and watch the color during baking.

technical
Q

Why does this Old-Fashioned Lemon Sugar Cookie recipe use sanding sugar on top instead of regular granulated sugar?

A

Sanding sugar has larger crystals that stay crunchy after baking, providing a sparkling visual finish and a pleasant crunch that contrasts with the soft interior. Regular sugar would melt into the surface and not give the same texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Martha Stewart specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Martha Stewart focuses on classic American home cooking, elegant entertaining, seasonal recipes, and lifestyle content that blends traditional techniques with modern convenience.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Martha Stewart's approach to baking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Martha Stewart’s approach emphasizes precise technique, high‑quality ingredients, and timeless presentation, often providing detailed step‑by‑step guidance and tips for achieving professional‑grade results at home, unlike many fast‑paced, trend‑driven channels.

channel
More like this:American RecipesDessert RecipesMore by Martha Stewart

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