Chewy Citrus Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 2.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.75 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (Softened to room temperature)
• 1.25 cup granulated sugar (Plus extra for rolling)
• 1 large egg (At room temperature)
• 2 tbsp fresh citrus zest (Finely grated; use lemon, orange, or a combination)
• 2 tbsp fresh citrus juice (Use the same citrus as the zest)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme (Optional variation; finely chopped)

Steps

1. 1

   Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt until evenly combined. Set the dry mixture aside.

3. 3

   Place the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until pale, fluffy, and creamy.

4. 4

   Add the egg, citrus zest, citrus juice, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

5. 5

   Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in two additions. Mix on low speed just until no dry streaks remain; do not overmix. If using rosemary or thyme, fold it in now.

6. 6

   Scoop the dough into approximately 16 portions, about 2 tablespoons each, and roll each portion into a ball. Roll the dough balls in a little granulated sugar and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) between cookies.

7. 7

   Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until the edges are set and lightly golden while the centers still look soft and slightly underbaked.

8. 8

   Leave the cookies on the baking sheets for 5 minutes so they can finish setting. Transfer them to a wire rack and cool completely before serving.

Notes

The source page was paywalled and exposed only the title and a short description, so the quantities and method are a reconstruction rather than a verified transcription. For the intended chewy texture, avoid overbaking; the centers should remain soft when the cookies come out of the oven. Store airtight at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• cookies
• baked
• vegetarian
• citrus
• bakery-style
• chewy