Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Perfect for spring and summer, these cookies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Whether enjoyed with tea, served at gatherings, or made just because, their zesty flavor and tender texture make them an irresistible treat.

ingredients

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

flourunsalted buttersugarbrown sugareggslemon juicelemon zestsaltbaking soda baking powdervanilla extractconfectioners’ sugar (for optional dusting or glaze)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.

Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll into balls, placing them a couple of inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional: Dust with confectioners’ sugar or drizzle with a simple lemon glaze once cooled.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 10-12 minutesCooling time: 10 minutesTotal time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Add white chocolate chips for a creamy twist.

Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for added texture.

Make sandwich cookies with lemon curd or cream cheese filling.

Swap lemon for lime or orange for a citrus variation.

storage/reheating

Store lemon cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.They can be refrigerated for up to 10 days or frozen for up to 2 months.Thaw at room temperature before serving or microwave for 5-10 seconds to warm slightly.

FAQs

What gives lemon cookies their flavor?

Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the signature bright, tangy flavor.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

How do I keep cookies soft?

Avoid overbaking and store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze for longer storage.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Not necessary, but chilling can help cookies retain shape and enhance flavor.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is preferred for richness, but margarine can be substituted.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Too-warm dough or over-creaming butter can cause excessive spreading.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles well for larger batches.

Are lemon cookies kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Their bright, sweet-tart flavor is usually a hit with kids.

Conclusion

Lemon cookies are a fresh and flavorful treat perfect for any season. With their soft texture and vibrant citrus taste, they brighten up any dessert table. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore fun variations, these cookies are sure to become a favorite go-to for lemon lovers.