Lemon Cookie Recipe for Soft, Buttery Cookies

If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect lemon cookie recipe, you’ve come to the right place! Lemon cookies are a delightful way to enjoy the zesty freshness of lemons paired with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re a fan of tangy treats or simply looking to try something new, this lemon cookies recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. With just the right amount of sweetness and a refreshing citrus twist, these lemon cookies are ideal for afternoon tea, special occasions, or even as a midday pick-me-up. Unlike other lemon cookie recipes, this version focuses on simplicity while maintaining maximum flavor. It’s easy to make and perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Lemon cookie recipes offer a bright, fresh alternative to traditional sweets, bringing a burst of sunshine to any occasion. With each bite, you’ll experience the zing of fresh lemon, balanced by a soft and chewy center, making these cookies absolutely irresistible. So, let’s dive into this delightful lemon cookie recipe and create something truly mouth-watering!

Lemon Cookie

Recipe by Souhail

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

120

kcal

These lemon cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with the fresh zest of lemon. Perfect for a quick sweet treat or a snack alongside tea, these cookies strike the ideal balance between tangy and sweet.

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or lemon glaze

Directions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a dough forms.
Scoop and Shape: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Finishes: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a lemon glaze for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Make sure not to overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of lemon zest on top before baking.
Adjust the lemon juice based on your desired tanginess level.

Additional Tips:

Fresh Lemons for Maximum Flavor: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. Bottled lemon juice lacks the fresh citrusy zing that makes these cookies pop.
Softening Butter Properly: Ensure the butter is soft but not melted. It should hold its shape slightly when pressed. This helps achieve a creamy, fluffy texture when creaming with sugar.
Chilling the Dough: If your kitchen is warm, or the dough feels too sticky, chilling it for 15-20 minutes can make scooping easier and will help the cookies maintain their shape.
Avoid Overbaking: Bake until the edges are golden, but don’t wait for the entire cookie to turn brown. They should be slightly soft when removed from the oven, as they’ll continue to firm up while cooling.
Glazing Option: To add more zing, mix a lemon glaze using powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle over the cooled cookies for a sweet-tart finish.

FAQ of the Lemon cookies recipe

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

Yes, fresh lemon juice is ideal for lemon cookies, as it provides a brighter and more natural flavor. Fresh lemon zest can also enhance the lemony taste, so don’t skip it if possible!

How can I make the lemon flavor stronger?

To intensify the lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest or a small amount of lemon extract. Be careful not to add too much extract, as it can be quite potent and may overpower the other flavors.

There’s something undeniably refreshing about a well-made lemon cookie, and this lemon cookies recipe showcases the perfect harmony of tangy lemon and sweet, buttery goodness. The simplicity of this recipe ensures that anyone can bake them with ease, while the flavor guarantees these cookies will become a staple in your home. Whether you choose to dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle them with lemon glaze, you’ll have a versatile treat that suits every occasion. Try different variations, share them with friends, or keep them all to yourself—either way, these lemon cookies will brighten your day. This lemon cookie recipe is a surefire way to spread joy, one bite at a time.