Lemon Cookies

These soft, chewy Lemon Cookies are a perfect balance of sweet and tart, bursting with fresh lemon flavor. With simple ingredients and an easy method, these cookies are a refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just treating yourself, these cookies will bring a burst of sunshine with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of citrus desserts, these Lemon Cookies will become your go-to treat. The cookies are soft and chewy with a delightful lemony aroma, thanks to both the zest and fresh lemon juice. Coating them in sugar before baking gives them a slightly crisp exterior that contrasts perfectly with the tender inside. With just a few ingredients and a short baking time, they’re a simple yet delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth and brighten up your day.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar

• 3 Tbsp lemon zest

• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 large egg

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ cup (50g) sugar, for rolling the cookies

Directions

1. Make the Dough:

• In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and lemon zest with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until creamy.

• Add the lemon juice and egg, and beat until fully combined.

• Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing by hand with a spatula until just combined.

2. Chill the Dough:

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30-60 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll.

3. Prepare for Baking:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place ¼ cup sugar in a bowl for rolling the cookies.

• Use a cookie scoop to form dough balls, then roll each ball in sugar. Place the cookies 2 inches apart on a silicone-lined baking sheet.

4. Bake the Cookies:

• Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges turn a faint golden color.

• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

5. Serve & Enjoy:

• Enjoy the cookies fresh from the oven or once they’ve cooled. These chewy lemon cookies make a refreshing dessert for any occasion!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 12 minutes

• Additional Time: 1 hour (for chilling the dough)

• Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes

Variations

• Add a glaze: For extra lemon flavor, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled cookies made with powdered sugar and lemon juice.

• Make them lemon poppy seed: Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the dough for a nice crunch and extra lemon flavor.

• Use lime instead of lemon: If you prefer lime, simply swap the lemon zest and juice for lime zest and lime juice for a tangy twist.

• Add white chocolate chips: For a sweet contrast to the tart lemon, stir in white chocolate chips or drizzle white chocolate over the finished cookies.

• Make them gluten-free: You can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

• Freezing: Freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.

• Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply microwave the cookies for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer?

Yes! You can easily mix the dough by hand with a wooden spoon or spatula. Just be sure the butter is soft enough to blend smoothly with the sugar.

Can I skip chilling the dough?

While chilling the dough helps create the perfect texture and prevents the cookies from spreading too much, you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Just be sure to work quickly and don’t let the dough get too soft.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but be sure to reduce the amount of salt added to the dough. Use about ¼ tsp of salt instead of ½ tsp to prevent the cookies from being too salty.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice will give the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. However, fresh lemon zest is always recommended for the best lemon aroma and flavor.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when they are lightly golden around the edges and the tops have slightly set. They may seem soft when you first remove them from the oven, but they will firm up as they cool.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough and bake the cookies when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Conclusion

These Lemon Cookies are the perfect combination of chewy, sweet, and tangy. With their soft texture and bright lemon flavor, they are a refreshing treat that everyone will love. They’re easy to make with minimal ingredients and are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just because you’re craving something sweet. These cookies are sure to brighten anyone’s day with their citrusy goodness!