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!
Table of contents
Recipe Card
Lemon Cookie
24
servings15
minutes15
minutes120
kcalThese 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.
Why This Recipe of Lemon Cookie Works
1. Uses Simple Ingredients
This recipe requires only basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and fresh lemons. No fancy ingredients are needed, yet the results are bakery-quality.
2. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy
The key to a great lemon cookie is the right amount of lemon flavor. Fresh lemon juice and zest ensure a natural citrus taste, while a bit of sugar balances the tartness.
3. Soft and Chewy Texture
These cookies are soft and slightly chewy, thanks to the right combination of butter, sugar, and eggs. If you love a melt-in-your-mouth texture, this recipe won’t disappoint.
4. Customizable to Your Preference
- Want a crispier cookie? Bake them a little longer.
- Prefer extra lemon flavor? Add more zest or a touch of lemon extract.
- Love a sweeter cookie? Drizzle them with a simple lemon glaze for an extra treat.
5. Quick and Easy to Make
From mixing the dough to baking, these cookies come together in about 30 minutes. No need to chill the dough, making this recipe perfect for a last-minute dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon cookies are versatile and pair well with a variety of drinks and desserts. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:
- With Tea or Coffee – These cookies are perfect with a hot cup of chamomile tea, earl grey, or a strong espresso.
- As an Ice Cream Sandwich – Sandwich two cookies with vanilla or lemon ice cream for a refreshing summer treat.
- With Fresh Berries – Serve the cookies with a side of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a light and fruity dessert.
- Alongside a Citrus Dessert Spread – Pair them with lemon bars, orange shortbread cookies, or key lime pie for a citrus-themed dessert platter.
- With Whipped Cream – Top each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lemon zest for an elegant presentation.
FAQ of the Lemon Cookie Recipe
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!
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.
Flat cookies are often a result of butter that is too soft or melted. Make sure to use softened, but not melted butter. Also, if the dough is too warm, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for the right texture.
Yes! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place them on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Absolutely! White chocolate chips, chopped almonds, or macadamia nuts can add great texture and flavor to these cookies. Start with ½ cup of mix-ins and adjust to your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Lemon Cookie Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a balance of sweet and tangy flavors. With their soft, chewy texture and refreshing citrus kick, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a weekend treat, a holiday bake, or just a sweet indulgence with your afternoon tea. Plus, with simple pantry ingredients and a quick prep time, they’re as easy to make as they are delicious!
If you enjoyed these cookies, you might love exploring other baked goods like our Matcha Cookies Recipe for a unique green tea twist or try something extra comforting like this Easy Baked Rice Pudding Recipe for a nostalgic dessert. Looking for more citrus-infused treats? Don’t miss our Lemon Pepper Wings Recipe for a savory option with a tangy kick.
Now it’s your turn to bake these delightful lemon cookies! If you try this recipe, let us know in the comments how they turned out. Share your pictures on social media and tag us—we love seeing your creations! Happy baking!
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