Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

Name: Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Powdered sugar for dusting

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Brighten up your holiday festivities with these delightful Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies. Bursting with fresh lemon flavor, these cookies are perfectly soft, slightly chewy, and coated with a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness. Ideal for your Christmas cookie exchange or a festive dessert platter, these treats are sure to be a seasonal favorite for family and friends.

Created by

Lila Morgan

Last updated on 2025-12-09T11:18:05.917Z

Discover the magic of lemon with these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies. Perfect for any occasion!

Perfect for Celebrations

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavor. The bright and zesty notes of lemon make them a perfect addition to any festive gathering. Whether you are hosting a Christmas party or looking for something special for a holiday cookie exchange, these cookies will delight both young and old alike. Their cheerful appearance and vibrant taste are sure to elevate your dessert table, making them a memorable highlight of the occasion.

Moreover, their unique flavor sets them apart from traditional holiday cookies like gingerbread or sugar cookies. The inclusion of fresh lemon juice and zest adds a refreshing twist that encapsulates the spirit of the season. When you present these cookies, you're not just serving a dessert; you're sharing a piece of joy and warmth with your friends and family.

A Simple and Rewarding Recipe

Baking these cookies is an effortless yet rewarding experience. The recipe calls for common ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, allowing you to whip them up without a hassle. This makes them an ideal choice for last-minute holiday baking or when you want to share homemade treats without investing too much time.

Each step, from creaming the butter and sugar to chilling the dough, is straightforward, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels. Even if you're a novice, you'll find that these cookies are forgiving and easy to perfect. As you handle the dough, the fragrant lemon aroma fills your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that hints at the delicious results to come.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for the perfect cookie experience:

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar for dusting

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your cookies:

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.

Chill and Bake

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a greased baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Dust

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade cookies!

Ingredient Insights

The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the lemon, which not only provides flavor but also infuses the cookies with a vibrant color and aroma. When selecting lemons, opt for organic options when possible, as they often have a richer taste. Zesting the lemon properly ensures that you capture all its essential oils, which add depth to the cookies and enhance their overall flavor profile.

Butter is another key ingredient. For the best results, let your butter soften completely at room temperature. This creates a creamy base that helps incorporate air, resulting in a lighter cookie. Additionally, using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of your recipe, balancing out the sweetness from the sugar.

Variations to Try

While the classic lemon flavor is unbeatable, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. For a twist, try incorporating white chocolate chips or dried cranberries into the dough for an added layer of flavor and texture. These additions not only complement the lemon but also add a delightful contrast in sweetness.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding a touch of lavender or rosemary to the cookies for an aromatic twist. The floral notes enhance the lemon, creating a more complex flavor profile that’s sure to impress. Experimenting with these variations can help you discover a version of these cookies that you love even more.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to an airtight container.