Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Lemon cookies are a timeless treat, blending the bright tang of citrus with the comfort of a classic homemade cookie. As more home bakers look for fresh, vibrant flavors, lemon cookies have become a favorite across the United States. In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to bake the perfect batch, whether you crave soft and chewy or crisp and delicate. We’ll cover the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips to make your cookies truly stand out. By the end, you’ll have all the know-how to bake lemon cookies that impress every time.
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Lemon Cookies: 7 Irresistible Recipes for Sweet Joy
- Total Time: PT27M
- Yield: 28 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, zesty lemon cookies with real lemon juice and zest. Perfectly chewy, bright, and easy to make for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
3 tablespoons lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
2 large eggs
2 3/4 cups (345g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cream butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Step 3: Mix in lemon juice and lemon extract if using.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until combined.
Step 6: Chill dough for at least thirty minutes.
Step 7: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.
Step 8: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto sheets, spacing two inches apart.
Step 9: Bake for ten to twelve minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked.
Step 10: Cool on baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
For extra lemon flavor, add more zest or use additional lemon extract.
Try a lemon glaze: mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Dough and baked cookies freeze well for up to three months.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: PT12M
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
The Story & Intro: Why Lemon Cookies Are a Southern Favorite
Hi, I’m Alice Thompson, the heart behind Deliciousavors.com. Growing up in Madison, Georgia, my fondest memories are of family and friends gathered in our kitchen, sharing laughter and good food. Lemon cookies always had a special place at our table, especially during spring gatherings and summer picnics. There’s something about the scent of fresh lemon zest and the first bite of a soft, buttery cookie that brings instant joy. My grandmother believed that a touch of citrus could brighten any recipe, and her lemon cookies were legendary in our neighborhood. Today, I love putting my own twist on her classic recipe, making sure each batch is bursting with flavor and southern charm.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Lemon Cookies
Choosing the Best Lemons and Pantry Staples
The secret to unforgettable lemon cookies starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Always use real lemons for both juice and zest. This delivers the brightest, most authentic flavor. Organic lemons are ideal since you’ll be using the zest. For the base, unsalted butter creates a rich, tender crumb, while granulated sugar keeps the cookies sweet but not overpowering. Baking powder gives the cookies lift, and a pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
Ingredient List
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, room temperature | 1 cup (226g) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 1/2 cups (300g) |
| Lemon zest | 3 tablespoons (from 2 lemons) |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1/4 cup (60ml) |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| All-purpose flour | 2 3/4 cups (345g) |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Optional: Lemon extract | 1 teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions and Expert Tips
Preparing the Dough
Start by creaming the butter, sugar, and lemon zest together in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step infuses the dough with citrus aroma and ensures a soft texture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and, if using, the lemon extract for an extra punch of flavor.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft but should hold its shape. For best results, chill the dough for at least thirty minutes before baking.
Baking and Cooling
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for ten to twelve minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them stay soft and chewy in the center.
Tips, Variations, Storage
Making Your Lemon Cookies Extra Lemony
If you want your lemon cookies to have an even bolder citrus flavor, increase the amount of zest or add a bit more lemon extract. You can also drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. For a fun twist, try folding in white chocolate chips or rolling the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking for a crinkle effect.
Storage and Freezing
Store cooled lemon cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To freeze, place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Conclusion
Lemon cookies are a delightful way to bring sunshine into your kitchen, no matter the season. With the right ingredients and a few simple techniques, you’ll bake cookies that are soft, zesty, and impossible to resist. Try the recipe, experiment with your own twists, and enjoy sharing these treats with family and friends.
For more recipes, visit my Facebook page.
Article updated 14 June 2025.
FAQ
Can you use lemon juice instead of lemon extract in lemon cookies?
Yes, you can substitute lemon juice for lemon extract, but the flavor will be milder. For a stronger lemon taste, use both zest and juice, or add a bit of extract if you have it.
How do you keep lemon cookies soft and chewy?
To keep lemon cookies soft and chewy, avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container. Chilling the dough before baking also helps maintain a tender texture.
Can you freeze lemon cookie dough or baked lemon cookies?
Absolutely. Both the dough and baked cookies freeze well. Freeze dough balls on a tray, then store in a bag. Baked cookies should be cooled completely before freezing.
What makes lemon cookies taste extra lemony?
The key is using plenty of fresh lemon zest and juice. Lemon extract can intensify the flavor, and a lemon glaze adds even more zing.