Pickle Lemon Sugar Cookies (Printable)

Pickle juice meets lemon in sweet, tangy sugar cookies. A bold twist for adventurous bakers.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
09 - 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice

→ Topping

10 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest

# Directions:

01 - Combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl; whisk until evenly blended.
02 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until pale and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
03 - Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and pickle juice until thoroughly integrated.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive, smooth dough forms.
05 - Cover and refrigerate dough for 30 minutes to ensure easier handling and improved texture.
06 - Set oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and arrange racks in middle position.
07 - Form chilled dough into 1-inch balls, rolling each in the sugar and lemon zest topping mixture.
08 - Place dough balls 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
09 - Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
10 - Allow cookies to cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Bright citrusy zing pairs perfectly with classic sugar cookie sweetness
  • Easy to make with kitchen basics plus a splash of pickle juice
  • A playful treat that gets everyone talking at gatherings
  • The dough comes together fast and bakes up tender and chewy
02 -
  • This cookie recipe is an absolute conversation starter at potlucks and picnics
  • The mix of lemon and briny pickle is more subtle than you expect and deeply addictive
  • High in flavor but low in fuss you do not need special tools
03 -
  • Let your butter soften at room temperature for thirty minutes for fluffiest results
  • Taste your pickle brine first and use one that is tangy but not overly salty for balance
  • If you love crinkle cookies make your dough balls slightly larger and flatten gently on the pan for bakery style crackles
  • Sugar for rolling makes all the difference so do not skip even if you are short on time

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