Lemon Cookie Recipe

Published: December 24, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just one bowl and simple steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest gives these cookies a burst of citrus goodness.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday celebration or an afternoon snack.
Freezer Friendly: These cookies freeze well, making it easy to have them on hand whenever the craving strikes.
Perfect Texture: Enjoy the thick and chewy consistency that makes each bite satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your lemon cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will help you stay organized in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
Cookie scoop
Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spills.
Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together.
Cookie scoop: Ensures consistent cookie sizes for even baking.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
– 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
– 3 Tbsp lemon zest
– 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
– 1 large egg
– 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup (50g) sugar (for rolling cookies)

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest with an electric mixer for about 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Add in the fresh lemon juice and egg. Beat again until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix by hand with a spatula until just combined.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld together while firming up the dough.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven & Prepare Sugar

Remove the dough from the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place 1/4 cup of sugar in a bowl for rolling the cookies.

Step 6: Form Cookies

Use a cookie scoop to form balls of dough. Roll each ball into the sugar before placing them on a silicone-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for about 11-13 minutes or until the edges turn a faint golden color.

Step 8: Cool

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

These delightful lemon cookies are perfect for various occasions and pair wonderfully with different beverages and snacks. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience with this Lemon Cookie Recipe.

With Tea

Herbal Tea – A calming herbal tea complements the bright flavors of lemon cookies.
Earl Grey – The bergamot in Earl Grey pairs beautifully with the citrus notes.

As a Snack

Fruit Platter – Serve alongside fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing combo.
Yogurt Dip – Pair cookies with a creamy yogurt dip for a unique twist.

For Celebrations

Birthday Parties – These lemon cookies make a delightful addition to birthday dessert tables.
Outdoor Picnics – Their bright flavor is perfect for sunny days and outdoor gatherings.

With Ice Cream

Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream – Enjoy a cookie sandwich with vanilla ice cream in the middle for an indulgent treat.
Lemon Sorbet – Match the cookie’s flavor with lemon sorbet for a citrus explosion.

To achieve the best results with your Lemon Cookie Recipe, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your baking game.

Use Fresh Ingredients – Always opt for fresh lemons and high-quality butter for the best flavor.
Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough prevents spreading, resulting in thicker cookies.
Measure Flour Correctly – Use a spoon to aerate flour before measuring it to avoid dense cookies.
Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Experiment with Zest – Adjust the amount of lemon zest according to your taste preference for more or less zing.

These lemon cookies can be paired well with various side dishes that complement their zesty flavor. Here are some great options:

Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits enhances the freshness of lemon cookies.
Cheese Platter – Soft cheeses like cream cheese balance sweetness and acidity beautifully.
Lemonade – A classic pairing; serve chilled lemonade alongside for extra citrus joy.
Nut Mix – A selection of nuts adds crunch and contrasts nicely with soft lemon cookies.
Chocolate Mousse – The richness of chocolate mousse offers a decadent contrast to tartness.
Panna Cotta – This creamy Italian dessert pairs well, especially if flavored with vanilla or citrus.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this delicious lemon cookie recipe, it’s easy to make minor errors that could affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

Skipping the chilling step: Not refrigerating the dough can lead to flat cookies. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t mix well with sugar and will affect texture. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for optimal mixing.
Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined to maintain softness.
Not measuring flour accurately: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into a measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
Baking on an ungreased sheet: If you skip lining or greasing your baking sheet, cookies may stick. Always use parchment paper or silicone mats for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Ensure cookies are completely cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Place cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Layer with parchment paper if stacking.

Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a plate for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Use a pan over low heat; cover with a lid and warm for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this lemon cookie recipe that might help you bake the perfect batch.

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. The texture will remain delightful.

How do I add more lemon flavor to my cookies?

You can enhance the lemon flavor by increasing the lemon zest or adding a bit of lemon extract. Adjust according to your taste preference.

What makes these lemon sugar cookies chewy?

The combination of butter and sugar creates moisture, while proper mixing helps maintain their chewy texture. Chilling the dough also aids in keeping them thick.

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough balls before baking. Just roll them in sugar and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a bag once solid.

How long do these cookies last after baking?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these lemon sugar cookies can last up to one week at room temperature or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Cookie Recipe is not only easy but also incredibly versatile. With its soft, chewy texture and refreshing citrus flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize with extras like white chocolate chips or nuts to suit your taste!

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Lemon Cookie Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe