Name: Lemon Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons lemon zest; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 large egg; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup sugar (for rolling)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 3.9 from 71 reviews

If you’ve been searching for that perfect zingy treat to brighten your day, this Lemon Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with fresh lemon zest and tangy lemon juice, these cookies strike the ideal balance between sweet and citrusy, offering a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds) in no time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to enjoy a little sunshine in your kitchen, this recipe is straightforward, reliable, and guaranteed to delight your senses.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Lemon Cookies Recipe plays a starring role, coming together simply but beautifully to create a cookie with fantastic flavor, texture, and a vibrant golden hue. From creamy butter to zesty lemon, every component is essential.

1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides richness and a soft, tender crumb for the cookies.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create that light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
3 tablespoons lemon zest: Packs in intense lemon flavor and fragrant aroma, the heart of this cookie.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds bright, tangy citrus notes that balance the sweetness perfectly.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s softness.
3 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the dough while keeping the cookies tender.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, chewy bite.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1/4 cup sugar (for rolling): Coats the cookie dough balls, creating a beautiful crackled sugar crust.

How to Make Lemon Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar, Add Lemon and Egg

Begin by beating the room-temperature unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating that airy base that gives these Lemon Cookies their delightful texture. Next, fold in the fresh lemon zest and juice for that unmistakable citrus zing, then beat in the egg until everything is perfectly combined and smooth.

Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gradually

Slowly add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to your lemony butter mixture. Mixing these in gradually ensures a smooth dough without overworking it, preserving the tender qualities that make this Lemon Cookies Recipe so irresistible. Aim for just enough mixing to bring everything together into a cohesive dough.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Pop your dough into the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. This chilling period firms up the dough, which makes it much easier to roll into neat balls and helps the cookies spread less while baking, so you get perfectly shaped cookies every time.

Step 4: Prepare and Roll the Dough Balls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the dough into small balls—about a tablespoon each works well—and roll them generously in the 1/4 cup of sugar. This sugar coating isn’t just for looks; it gives the cookies a beautiful, sparkling finish and a slight crunch on the outside.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange your sugar-coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden brown. Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they set to tender, chewy perfection.

How to Serve Lemon Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies are wonderful all on their own, a quick dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty, delicate touch. For a little extra flair, a small twist of lemon zest on top pairs wonderfully, highlighting the fresh citrus notes and making the presentation pop.

Side Dishes

Lemon cookies make an excellent companion to a hot cup of tea, especially green or chamomile, whose subtle flavors complement the citrus beautifully. For a more indulgent treat, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the cookie’s bright flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, arrange your lemon cookies in pretty stacks tied with a pastel ribbon. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a lemon glaze or a light cream cheese frosting to create delightful lemon cookie sandwiches that look as good as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Be sure to keep them away from moisture to maintain that perfect chewy texture and preserve the bright lemon flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze baked lemon cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy their zesty goodness again.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy warm lemon cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This gently revives their softness and intensifies those fresh lemon notes without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is best for the brightest, freshest flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can work—just use a little less to avoid overpowering the dough.

What if I don’t have baking soda?

Baking soda helps the cookies rise tenderly; you can substitute with baking powder using about three times the amount, though the texture may be slightly different.

How do I get the best lemon flavor in my cookies?

Using both fresh lemon zest and juice is key, as zest contains essential oils that boost aroma and flavor, while juice adds that tangy kick.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup, and you should get great results with the same delightful lemon taste.

Should the dough be chilled or can I bake immediately?

Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and enhances flavor, so it’s highly recommended for best results.

Final Thoughts

You simply cannot go wrong with this charming Lemon Cookies Recipe. Its bright citrus flavor combined with a soft, tender bite makes it a wonderful treat to bake anytime you need a cheerful pick-me-up. So grab your ingredients, embrace the fresh lemon zest, and bake up a batch to share with friends and family — they will thank you for it!