Chewy Grapefruit Sugar Cookies

These chewy grapefruit sugar cookies are a bright and tangy twist on classic sugar cookies. Bursting with the fresh, zesty flavor of pink grapefruit and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, they are perfect for spring and summer celebrations or anytime you want a refreshing sweet treat. Topped with a luscious grapefruit-infused frosting and optional colorful sprinkles, these cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

You will love how the grapefruit zest lights up the buttery cookie dough, balanced by a smooth creamy frosting that enhances the citrus flavor. The soft crumb and slight chewiness make these cookies irresistibly satisfying with every bite.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 2¾ cups (344 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal or ¼ teaspoon Morton kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons finely grated pink grapefruit zest
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup sour cream, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting and Assembly

• 4 cups (440 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon finely grated pink grapefruit zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal or ¼ teaspoon Morton kosher salt
• Red (or any color) gel food coloring and sprinkles, for decorating (optional)

How to Create Your Chewy Grapefruit Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the finely grated grapefruit zest and mix until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixes

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the tender texture.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a disk, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Shape and Bake Cookies

Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Grapefruit Frosting

Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar alternating with heavy cream, mixing well. Fold in grapefruit zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Add gel food coloring if desired for a festive look.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Once cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe frosting on top. Decorate with sprinkles if desired. Allow frosting to set before serving.

My Best Tips for Chewy Grapefruit Sugar Cookies

Use Fresh Grapefruit Zest

Zest provides essential oils that brighten the flavor. Grate just before mixing for fresh aroma.

Chill Dough Well

Chilling firms dough, helping with easy handling and cleaner shaping, resulting in better texture.

Measure Flour Properly

Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies from packed flour.

Avoid Overbaking

Slightly underbake to maintain chewiness. Cookies will firm as they cool.

Flavor Your Frosting

Add a little grapefruit zest and salt to balance sweet frosting with citrus freshness.

Delicious Variations to Try

Add Citrus Flavors

Mix in some lemon or orange zest for a citrus medley.

Use Alternative Frosting

Try cream cheese frosting with grapefruit zest for tangy richness.

Colorful Decorations

Match frosting color and sprinkles to holidays or themes.

Add Texture

Top with finely chopped nuts or candied ginger for crunch.

Make Sandwich Cookies

Use frosting as filling between two cookies for an elegant treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these cookies be made ahead?

Yes, dough can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

How do I keep cookies chewy?

Remove from oven when edges lightly golden but centers still soft.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

Greek yogurt works as a substitute with similar results.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

How to store frosted cookies?

Store in a single layer at room temperature, or freeze unfrosted then frost after thawing.

Can I use other types of citrus?

Yes, lemon or tangerine zest are excellent alternatives.

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