Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are a delightful treat, bursting with zesty flavor and a soft texture that melts in your mouth.

Rebecca Mills

Created by

Rebecca Mills

Last updated on 2025-12-22T23:57:35.138Z

These cookies are perfect for lemon lovers! With a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, they are ideal for any occasion.

Why You'll Love These Cookies

  • Bright and zesty lemon flavor that refreshes your palate
  • Soft and chewy texture that makes them irresistible
  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for last-minute baking

The Perfect Lemon Flavor

Lemon cookies are a classic treat that never goes out of style, and these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies elevate that tradition to new heights. Each bite is infused with bright and zesty lemon flavor, thanks to the combination of fresh lemon juice and zest. This delightful citrusy taste not only refreshes your palate but also brings a sense of joy to every occasion, whether it's a sunny afternoon or a cozy gathering with friends.

The use of real lemon enhances the authentic flavor of these cookies, making them perfect for those who appreciate the natural taste of citrus. Unlike many store-bought cookies that often rely on artificial flavors, these homemade treats showcase the vibrant essence of lemons, resulting in a truly refreshing dessert you can be proud to serve.

Texture That Melts in Your Mouth

One of the standout features of these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies is their delightful texture. The combination of butter and sugar creates a rich, tender dough that bakes into cookies with perfectly chewy centers and slightly crisp edges. This balance gives each cookie a melt-in-your-mouth quality that is simply irresistible.

The secret to achieving that perfect chewiness lies in the baking time. A short baking duration ensures that the cookies remain soft and don’t dry out, preserving their delightful texture for days. These cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds but also provide a satisfying bite experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Easy to Make, Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the best aspects of these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies is how quick and easy they are to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a delicious batch of cookies ready in no time. This makes them an excellent choice for last-minute baking when you need a sweet treat for unexpected guests or a simple dessert for a family get-together.

Whether you're planning a picnic, a birthday party, or just need a little something sweet to brighten your day, these cookies are a versatile option that can be enjoyed anytime. Plus, they are a hit with both kids and adults alike, ensuring that everyone is satisfied with a delightful lemony treat.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Mix the ingredients well for the best flavor.

Instructions

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend into the butter mixture.

Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Prepare the Glaze

While the cookies cool, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.

Glaze the Cookies

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies!

Storing Your Lemon Cookies

To keep your Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week, although they are often gone much sooner due to their irresistible taste! If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing the cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can be stored for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. Alternatively, you can warm them in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked feel. This method ensures that you can savor the bright flavors of these cookies even weeks later.

Variations and Add-Ins

While these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are delightful as they are, there are plenty of ways to customize them to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast to the tartness of the lemon. Alternatively, you can fold in some poppy seeds for added texture and an appealing visual element.

For a fun twist, try incorporating crushed nuts like walnuts or pistachios for a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with lemon. Additionally, you can experiment with different glazes by infusing them with flavors like vanilla or almond extract for even more depth. These variations allow you to personalize your cookies while keeping the core lemony goodness intact.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Yes, bottled lemon juice works, but fresh lemon juice offers a brighter flavor.

→ How do I store these cookies?

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

→ Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.

→ What can I replace butter with?

You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free option.

Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are a delightful treat, bursting with zesty flavor and a soft texture that melts in your mouth.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Rebecca Mills

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

For the Cookies

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1 large egg
  4. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  5. 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  6. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  8. 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons lemon juice

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 large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend into the butter mixture.

Step 04

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 05

While the cookies cool, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 06

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 1g