Sometimes, baking isn’t just about satisfying a sweet tooth—it’s about gratitude and connection.
This week, I found myself inspired to bake these lemon sugar cookies for some very special people: our kind neighbors who went above and beyond to fix our gravel driveway while maintaining the neighborhood road. Living out here on the homestead means we rely on each other in so many ways, and their generosity reminded me how important community really is—especially when you’re a little off the beaten path.
In the midst of muddy boots tracking through the house, toddlers chasing ducks, and Nutmeg the rabbit causing his usual mischief, taking a moment to bake felt like a way to pause and say “thank you” in the most comforting way I know how—with something sweet, homemade, and shared from the heart.
We were touched to receive a thank you note back from them — and of the two cookies we sent, the lemon sugar cookies were their favorite! That little bit of brightness in the middle of a busy week felt like such a gift, a reminder that small acts of kindness ripple through our homestead community in the sweetest ways.
In our home, we mostly stick to gluten-free living since my husband is borderline celiac. Baking gluten-free can sometimes feel tricky, but these lemon sugar cookies are proof it can be just as delicious—if not better! I’m not sure if our neighbors knew the cookies were gluten-free, but it felt great to share something that fits our lifestyle while still being a sweet treat everyone could enjoy. Using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend made the recipe easy to follow without sacrificing that soft, tender texture we love.
It’s little things like this—baking with intention and care—that make sharing food so meaningful around the homestead. If you’re curious, I’d be happy to share tips on gluten-free baking or more recipes that work for us!
🍋 Lemon Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
- ¼ cup sugar + 1 tsp lemon zest for rolling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the egg, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until fully combined and fragrant.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers to release the oils and make a lemony sugar coating.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls and roll them in the lemon sugar mixture.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden. Keep them soft!
- Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack.
🫶 Why I Love Them
They’re easy. They’re delicious. And that lemon sugar coating? It gives just the right crisp sparkle on the outside while staying soft and chewy inside. I gave most to our neighbors but saved the rest for afternoon coffee breaks… or maybe breakfast. (I won’t tell.)
💬 Let’s Talk Cookies
If you give these a try, let me know what you think! I’d love to hear if you make any tweaks or if they become a favorite in your home too. Tag me on Facebook at G’s Homestead so I can see your sunny bakes!
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