Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, offering a delightful treat for any occasion.

Eliza Thornton

Created by

Eliza Thornton

Last updated on 2025-12-23T04:15:31.527Z

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are inspired by the zest and brightness of fresh lemons. They are perfect for a sunny day or as a refreshing dessert for any gathering.

Why You'll Love These Cookies

  • Bright and zesty flavor that refreshes your palate
  • Soft and chewy texture that is irresistible
  • Perfect for sharing or indulging all by yourself

The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are not just a dessert; they are a delightful addition to any gathering. Whether it's a birthday party, a family picnic, or a cozy night in, these cookies bring a burst of flavor that everyone will enjoy. Their bright and zesty taste pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee, making them an excellent choice for afternoon snacks or dessert after dinner.

The versatility of these cookies makes them a favorite among both kids and adults. You can easily adjust the sweetness to cater to your preferences or add a twist by incorporating nuts or dried fruit. No matter how you serve them, these cookies are bound to be a hit.

Baking Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect texture in your Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies requires some attention to detail. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugars. This step is crucial for creating a light and airy dough. Additionally, avoid over-mixing when combining the wet and dry ingredients; a few lumps are perfectly fine for that chewy texture.

Another helpful tip is to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape and prevent them from spreading too much in the oven. Chilling also enhances the flavors, allowing the lemon zest and juice to infuse the dough more thoroughly.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

To keep your Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, but we doubt they will last that long! For longer storage, consider freezing the baked cookies. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be enjoyed straight from the freezer or warmed up in the microwave for a few seconds.

When serving, consider pairing these cookies with a refreshing beverage. Lemonade, iced tea, or even a light white wine can complement the flavors beautifully. For a lovely presentation, arrange them on a decorative plate and sprinkle with extra powdered sugar just before serving.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Mix all the ingredients well before baking for the best flavor!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.

Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Dust with Powdered Sugar

Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Enjoy your delicious Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies!

Nutritional Information

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies offer a delightful balance of flavors, but it’s essential to be mindful of their nutritional content. Each cookie contains a mix of sugars and fats, so enjoy them in moderation, especially if you are watching your sugar intake. The lemon juice and zest, however, do add some beneficial vitamin C to the mix, making them a slightly healthier indulgence.

If you are looking for a healthier alternative, consider substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour. These substitutions can add fiber and healthy fats, making your cookies a bit more nutritious without sacrificing flavor.

Customizing Your Cookies

One of the best things about baking is the ability to customize recipes to suit your taste. For these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies, consider adding poppy seeds for a delightful crunch or incorporating chocolate chips for a sweet contrast. You can also experiment with different citrus zests, such as lime or orange, to create your unique flavor profile.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, adding a pinch of ginger or cardamom can elevate the cookies and provide a warm, fragrant twist. The possibilities are endless, and each variation can lead to a new favorite cookie recipe.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Yes, bottled lemon juice can be used, but fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What can I do if I don't have lemon zest?

If you don't have lemon zest, you can omit it, but it adds a lovely flavor and aroma to the cookies.

Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, offering a delightful treat for any occasion.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Eliza Thornton

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

For the Cookies

  1. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  3. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  4. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  5. 1 cup granulated sugar
  6. 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  7. 1 large egg
  8. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  9. 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  10. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  11. Powdered sugar for dusting

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.

Step 03

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 04

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 05

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 06

Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 9g
  • Protein: 1g