Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the bright flavor of lemons with a soft, chewy texture. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to brighten your day!

Imogen Price

Created by

Imogen Price

Last updated on 2025-12-20T20:30:58.524Z

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are a family favorite, bringing a burst of citrus flavor with every bite. They are perfect for sunny days and can be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. The recipe is simple enough for beginners, making it a great choice for baking enthusiasts of all levels.

Why You'll Love These Cookies

  • Bright lemon flavor that refreshes the palate
  • Soft, chewy texture that is irresistible
  • Quick and easy to make for any occasion

The Brightness of Lemon

Lemons are often associated with freshness and zest, making them a perfect ingredient for baked goods. The natural acidity of lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also balances the sweetness of the cookies. In these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies, the combination of lemon juice and lemon zest brings a vibrant and invigorating taste that is hard to resist. Just one bite transports you to a sunny day, making these cookies an ideal treat for any occasion.

Incorporating lemon into your baking not only adds flavor but also offers health benefits. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and promotes overall health. By enjoying these cookies, you're indulging in a delightful treat while also benefiting from the nourishing properties of this citrus fruit.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are versatile enough for any event, whether it's a family gathering, a casual afternoon tea, or a festive celebration. Their cheerful appearance and bright flavor make them a crowd-pleaser, ensuring that they will be the highlight of your dessert table. You can even package them as gifts, sharing the joy of these delicious cookies with friends and loved ones.

These cookies are also a fantastic option for those who enjoy baking with children. The simple process of making the dough and shaping the cookies is fun and engaging, making it a wonderful bonding activity. Plus, the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is an added bonus that everyone will appreciate!

Tips for the Best Cookies

To achieve the perfect texture in your Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies, it's essential to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for the flour if possible, as this can prevent over-measuring, which can lead to dry cookies. Additionally, ensure your butter is softened but not melted, as this can significantly affect the cookie's texture and spread during baking.

Another tip is to allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them set properly, retaining their soft and chewy texture. If you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to suit your taste.

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 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Mix all ingredients well for a delicious cookie dough!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined.

Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on 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 on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.

Enjoy your delicious Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies!

Storing and Serving

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The cookies will maintain their soft texture, making them an excellent treat to enjoy throughout the week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container and layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be thawed at room temperature when you're ready to enjoy them.

When serving these cookies, consider pairing them with a cup of herbal tea or a glass of refreshing lemonade to complement the lemon flavor. Their bright taste is perfect for summer picnics or afternoon gatherings, making them a delightful addition to any menu.

Variations and Add-Ins

While the classic lemon flavor is a star on its own, you can easily customize these cookies to suit your preferences. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding white chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the dough. These additions not only enhance the taste but also add a beautiful contrast in texture and color.

If you're a fan of nuts, chopped walnuts or pecans can be a delightful addition as well. Their crunchiness pairs wonderfully with the soft and chewy texture of the cookies, creating a delightful eating experience. Experimenting with different add-ins allows you to make these cookies uniquely yours!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute butter with margarine?

Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, but the texture may vary slightly.

→ 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?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag once frozen.

→ What can I use instead of lemon juice?

You can substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus flavor.

Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the bright flavor of lemons with a soft, chewy texture. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to brighten your day!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Imogen Price

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 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  8. ½ teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Glaze

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  3. 1 teaspoon lemon zest

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 granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined.

Step 03

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 04

Bake in the preheated oven 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 05

In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 1g