Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Perrie Lawson

Created by

Perrie Lawson

Last updated on 2025-12-23T04:48:36.256Z

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are a delightful way to enjoy the bright flavor of lemons. Perfect for tea parties, picnics, or just as a sweet treat at home, these cookies are sure to bring a little sunshine to your day!

Why You'll Love These Cookies

  • Bright, zesty lemon flavor that refreshes the palate
  • Soft and chewy texture that is simply irresistible
  • Easy to make, perfect for baking with kids or for a quick treat

The Zest of Lemon

Lemons are renowned for their bright flavor and numerous health benefits. Incorporating fresh lemon juice and zest into these cookies not only elevates their taste but also brings a refreshing twist to traditional cookie recipes. The zesty notes cut through the sweetness, creating a delightful balance that will have everyone coming back for more.

In addition to their flavor, lemons are packed with vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system. This makes these cookies a guilt-free indulgence! So not only are you treating yourself, but you're also enjoying a snack that may provide some health perks.

Baking with Kids

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are perfect for baking with kids. The process is straightforward, and kids will love scooping the dough and drizzling the glaze. It’s a wonderful opportunity to teach them the joys of baking while creating lasting memories in the kitchen.

Involving children in the baking process encourages their creativity and helps develop essential skills such as measuring and mixing. Plus, they will be eager to share the delicious results with family and friends. Baking can be a fun and educational experience that fosters a love for cooking.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These cookies are versatile enough for any event, whether it’s a casual afternoon snack, a festive gathering, or a sweet addition to a holiday dessert table. Their cheerful lemon flavor brightens up any occasion, making them a crowd-pleaser.

Consider packaging these cookies in a decorative box or tin as a thoughtful gift for friends and family. A batch of these homemade treats can show you care and add a personal touch to your gesture, making them a delightful surprise for birthdays, holidays, or just because.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start baking to ensure a smooth process.

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons 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

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious lemon cookies.

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Butter and Sugar

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

Add Egg and Lemon

Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Form the Dough

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 in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.

Glaze the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cookie.

Enjoy your Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!

Storing Your Cookies

To keep your Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Simply place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored this way for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy a cookie from the freezer, just let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up. This will restore that delightful softness.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with these cookies! You can add in some poppy seeds to give an extra crunch and a classic lemon-poppy seed flavor. Alternatively, consider folding in white chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a sweet contrast that complements the tartness of the lemon.

If you're looking for a healthier twist, try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour. This will add a nutty flavor and increase the nutritional value, making these cookies a bit more wholesome without sacrificing taste.

Serving Suggestions

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies can be served on their own or paired with a variety of beverages. They make an excellent accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee, enhancing the experience with their refreshing citrus flavor. For a fun twist, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Consider using these cookies as a base for a dessert platter at your next gathering. Arrange them alongside fruits, cheeses, and other desserts for a visually appealing and delicious spread that will impress your guests.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Yes, bottled lemon juice can be used, but fresh lemon juice provides a better flavor.

→ How should I store these cookies?

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

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for butter?

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

Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Perrie Lawson

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. 2 teaspoons 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). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.

Step 04

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Step 08

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.

Step 09

Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cookie.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 1g