Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are the perfect combination of zest and sweetness, providing a refreshing twist to your everyday cookie.

Natalie Evans

Created by

Natalie Evans

Last updated on 2025-12-21T09:25:59.668Z

These cookies are inspired by the bright flavor of lemons and are perfect for any occasion. They are soft, chewy, and bursting with citrus goodness, making them a delightful treat.

Why You Will Love These Cookies

  • Bright and zesty lemon flavor that refreshes your palate
  • Soft and chewy texture that is simply irresistible
  • Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a sweet snack

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are an exquisite treat that beautifully balances sweetness with a refreshing tartness. The inclusion of both lemon zest and fresh lemon juice not only enhances the flavor profile but also invigorates your taste buds with every bite. This delightful contrast makes them a standout choice for any cookie lover, whether you're enjoying them as a midday snack or sharing them at a gathering.

The bright lemon flavor acts as a palate cleanser, making these cookies a perfect companion for afternoon tea or a casual get-together. Their unique taste can even elevate a simple dessert platter, drawing attention and sparking conversation among guests. Each cookie is not just a sweet indulgence; it's an experience that brings a burst of sunshine to your day.

A Cookie for Every Occasion

Whether it's a family gathering, a birthday party, or a casual picnic, these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are versatile enough to fit any occasion. Their delightful flavor and chewy texture make them a hit with both kids and adults alike. You can also customize them by adding ingredients like white chocolate chips or poppy seeds for an extra twist, allowing you to personalize each batch to suit your tastes.

Moreover, these cookies are easy to make, so you can whip up a batch in no time. This makes them an ideal choice for last-minute parties or when you're simply craving something sweet and refreshing. No matter the occasion, these cookies are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies turn out perfectly every time, it's essential to use room temperature ingredients. This allows the butter to cream more effectively with the sugars, resulting in a light and fluffy dough. Additionally, make sure to measure your flour correctly to avoid dry cookies; spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.

Another crucial tip is not to overbake your cookies. They should be slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven, as they will continue to firm up while cooling. This technique helps maintain their soft and chewy texture, ensuring that every bite is as delightful as the last.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Mix all the ingredients well to achieve a smooth dough.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Cream the Butter and Sugars

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

Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Mix the Dough

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

Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Cookies

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

Dust with Powdered Sugar

If desired, dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies!

Storing Your Cookies

To keep your Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their soft texture and prevent them from becoming stale. If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing them. Simply place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.

When you're ready to enjoy them, you can thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked taste. This way, you can always have a delightful treat on hand whenever the craving strikes!

Pairing Suggestions

These cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. For a classic combination, enjoy them with a cup of tea, especially a light herbal or green tea that complements the lemon flavor. If you're feeling indulgent, consider pairing them with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience.

Additionally, for a festive touch, these lemon cookies can be served alongside a refreshing lemonade or even a citrus-infused cocktail at summer gatherings. Their bright flavor makes them a versatile dessert that enhances any beverage pairing.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other citrus fruits instead of lemon?

Yes, you can substitute with lime or orange for a different flavor.

→ How do I store the cookies?

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

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just thaw and bake as usual.

→ What can I serve these cookies with?

These cookies pair well with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk.

Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are the perfect combination of zest and sweetness, providing a refreshing twist to your everyday cookie.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Natalie Evans

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. 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  6. 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  7. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  8. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  9. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  10. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  11. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  12. Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 03

Add the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 07

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

Step 08

If desired, dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 1g