Lemon Cookies: Soft, Chewy, and Packed with Zesty Flavor
These lemon cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Made with fresh lemon juice, zest, and a hint of vanilla, they have the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. With a delicate sugar coating and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are perfect for tea time, dessert, or a refreshing treat any time of the year!
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or microplane
- Citrus juicer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup powdered sugar for a crinkle effect
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Baking Sheets
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Step 4: Combine the Wet & Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the dough and chill for 30 minutes for better flavor and texture.
- Step 5: Roll & Coat the Cookies
- Scoop 1-inch balls of dough and roll them into granulated sugar, then powdered sugar (for a crinkle effect).
- Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Step 6: Bake & Cool
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have slight cracks.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
- Enjoy these cookies fresh or store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
Extra Zesty Flavor: Increase the lemon zest to 2 tablespoons for a stronger citrus taste.
Glaze Option: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tablespoons lemon juice for a simple lemon glaze.
Chilling the Dough: Helps keep the cookies thicker and chewier.
Storage:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing Dough: Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months.
Glaze Option: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tablespoons lemon juice for a simple lemon glaze.
Chilling the Dough: Helps keep the cookies thicker and chewier.
Storage:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing Dough: Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months.