Name: Lemon Olive Oil Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (plus more for rolling); 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/3 cup olive oil; 2 large eggs; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 7 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a bright, flavorful treat that feels like sunshine in cookie form, this Lemon Olive Oil Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are wonderfully tender, with a subtle citrus zing from fresh lemon zest and a rich, silky texture thanks to the olive oil, which replaces the usual butter. The sugar-crusted exterior adds just the right amount of crunch to balance the soft, moist interior. This recipe is a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies that you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a casual afternoon snack or a special occasion sweet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver baking tray lined with white parchment paper on a white marbled surface holds six cookies, with three unbaked cookies on the left side and three baked cookies on the right side. The unbaked cookies are small, round, smooth, and light yellow with a fine layer of sugar on top. The baked cookies are larger, light yellow, round, and have a cracked texture on their surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Lemon Olive Oil Sugar Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role, creating a perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From the simple base of flour and sugar to the star notes of lemon zest and olive oil, each component is essential for that memorable cookie experience.

All-purpose flour: Provides the cookie’s structure and a tender crumb when combined properly with the other ingredients.
Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to give the cookies a light, delicate rise and a slight crackly top.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and brightening the lemon notes.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and creates that irresistible sugary crust when the cookies are rolled before baking.
Lemon zest: Adds fresh citrus aroma and a vibrant burst of tangy flavor that’s the heart of this recipe.
Olive oil: Replaces butter for a moist, tender cookie with a subtle fruity undertone that complements the lemon beautifully.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie’s soft texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor, rounding out the bright lemon taste perfectly.

How to Make Lemon Olive Oil Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Get your oven warmed up to 350ºF and line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This little prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and slide off the pan easily, setting the stage for perfect cookies every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and helps incorporate air for a lighter cookie. Set this mixture aside for now.

Step 3: Infuse Sugar with Lemon Zest

Grab a second large bowl and combine your granulated sugar with lemon zest. Rub them between your fingers until the sugar is fragrant and the zest is evenly distributed. This step is critical for intensifying the lemon flavor throughout the cookie.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the olive oil to the lemon-sugar mixture and stir with a spatula until the mixture forms a grainy paste. Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and homogenous. This mixture forms a luscious base that’ll give your cookies their signature tender texture.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently, just until incorporated. The dough should be soft and slightly oily—don’t overmix, or the cookies might turn out too dense.

Step 6: Shape and Sugar Coat

Pour some extra granulated sugar into a shallow dish. Scoop the dough into 1.5-tablespoon balls, then roll each ball in the sugar until coated. This sugar coating gives the cookies a delicate crunchy shell that contrasts beautifully with the tender inside.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on your lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for a little spread. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until the tops are rise puffed and crackly, and the edges just start turning a delicate golden color. Let the cookies cool briefly on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

How to Serve Lemon Olive Oil Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows a group of round yellow cookies with cracked tops resting on a silver wire cooling rack. Each cookie has a rough sugar-coated texture with many small cracks across the surface, giving them a slightly crumbly look. The cookies are placed in neat rows, all evenly spaced, and the wire rack allows the white marbled surface beneath to be seen in the gaps. The scene is bright and clear, showing the details of each cookie’s texture well photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These Lemon Olive Oil Sugar Cookies are lovely just as they are, but you can elevate them with a few simple garnishes. A sprinkle of extra lemon zest on top after baking adds freshness and a pop of color, or a light dusting of powdered sugar creates an elegant, snowy look perfect for a tea party.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cup of your favorite hot tea, like Earl Grey or chamomile, to complement the citrus notes. For a more indulgent touch, a small bowl of lemon curd or a dollop of whipped cream on the side turns each bite into a mini dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies around a fresh flower centerpiece for a spring-themed gathering, or stack them in a decorative jar tied with a bright ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift. You can also sandwich a little lemon cream cheese filling between two cookies for a fun and delicious twist that friends and family will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers from this Lemon Olive Oil Sugar Cookies Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to three days, making them perfect for quick snacks or unexpected guests.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough balls before baking by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready for fresh cookies, bake them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 300ºF for about 5 minutes. This refreshing step softens the cookie and revives the olive oil’s lovely aroma and the bright lemon flavors as if they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I substitute olive oil with another oil?

While you can use different oils, extra virgin olive oil adds a distinct fruity richness that pairs wonderfully with the lemon zest. Using a neutral oil might make the cookies less flavorful, but it will still work if that’s what you have on hand.

Why do these cookies use olive oil instead of butter?

Olive oil gives these cookies a moist, tender crumb with subtle fruity notes that butter doesn’t offer. It also makes the recipe a bit lighter and adds a unique twist to the classic sugar cookie flavor.

How can I make these cookies more lemony?

For an extra lemon punch, increase the lemon zest slightly or add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the wet ingredients. Just be careful not to add too much liquid or the dough might become too soft to handle.

Can these cookies be gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, but to make it gluten-free, substitute with a trusted gluten-free flour blend. You might need to adjust baking time slightly and ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

Are these cookies vegan?

Not as written, since they contain eggs. However, you can try replacing the eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute, but keep in mind this might change the texture and flavor somewhat.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for a delicious new recipe to try, this Lemon Olive Oil Sugar Cookies Recipe is sure to become a favorite. With its bright citrus flavor, tender texture, and simple ingredients, these cookies feel like a little bite of happiness. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and share the joy they bring with your friends and family.