Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are the perfect blend of sweetness and citrus zest, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

Vanessa Doyle

Created by

Vanessa Doyle

Last updated on 2025-12-21T07:10:56.514Z

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are a family favorite, loved for their bright flavor and tender texture. Perfect for summer picnics or cozy afternoons at home, these cookies will brighten your day with every bite.

Why You'll Love These Cookies

  • Zesty lemon flavor that refreshes your palate
  • Soft and chewy texture that makes them irresistible
  • Perfect for sharing with friends and family

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Zesty

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are a delightful treat that harmoniously brings together the sweetness of sugar and the vibrant zest of fresh lemons. The unique flavor profile not only excites the taste buds but also provides a refreshing twist that makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a summer picnic or simply indulging in a cozy evening at home, these cookies are sure to brighten your day.

With their soft and chewy texture, every bite offers a satisfying mouthfeel that is both comforting and indulgent. The addition of lemon juice and zest infuses each cookie with a burst of citrus flavor, elevating the traditional cookie experience to something truly special. This delightful combination makes these cookies a favorite among both kids and adults alike.

Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies

To achieve the best results when making these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies, it’s essential to use room temperature butter and egg for optimal creaming. This helps create a light and airy dough that bakes into soft cookies. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the dough when incorporating the dry ingredients; a gentle hand will keep the cookies tender and chewy.

Always keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Ovens can vary, and it’s crucial to remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn lightly golden. This ensures that the centers remain soft and chewy, while the exterior has a slight crispness. Allow them to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting into the cookies.

Serving and Storing Your Cookies

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies can be served warm or at room temperature, making them incredibly versatile. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, providing a delightful afternoon snack. For gatherings, consider placing them on a decorative platter to impress your guests with their bright, inviting color and delicious aroma.

If you find yourself with leftovers (though unlikely!), store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, maintaining their soft and chewy texture. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Simply place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be thawed and enjoyed later, bringing a taste of summer back to any chilly day.

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 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Glaze

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

Make sure to use fresh lemons for the best flavor!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

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.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Shape and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Prepare the Glaze

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

Glaze the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top.

Let the glaze set before serving. Enjoy your Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies!

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with additional flavors! You can add poppy seeds for a delightful crunch or substitute lime or orange juice and zest for a different citrus twist. For added texture, consider mixing in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts. Each variation will bring its own unique charm to the cookies while keeping the base recipe intact.

Another option is to turn these cookies into sandwich cookies. Simply spread a layer of lemon cream cheese frosting between two cookies to create a delightful treat that’s perfect for special occasions or even as a fun dessert for kids.

Nutritional Information

While these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are a delicious treat, it’s good to be mindful of their nutritional content. Each cookie contains a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and sugars, making them an occasional indulgence rather than an everyday snack. Pairing them with a glass of milk can add some protein and calcium, enhancing their overall nutritional value.

For those looking to make healthier choices, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. You can also reduce the sugar slightly without sacrificing flavor, allowing you to enjoy these delightful cookies with a bit less guilt.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can try using whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it may change the texture slightly.

→ How do I store leftover cookies?

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

→ Can I freeze the cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Just make sure they're in a sealed container.

→ What can I do if I don't have lemons?

You can substitute lemon juice with a store-bought lemon extract, though the flavor will be different.

Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are the perfect blend of sweetness and citrus zest, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Vanessa Doyle

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 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  8. 1/4 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.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 04

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 1g