Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

Highlighted under: Delightful Bakes

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are the perfect treat for lemon lovers, featuring a delightful balance of sweetness and tang.

Rowena Clarke

Created by

Rowena Clarke

Last updated on 2025-12-23T06:00:50.195Z

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are a family favorite. Bursting with fresh lemon flavor, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just craving something sweet, these cookies will brighten your day!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Bright and zesty lemon flavor that refreshes your palate
  • Soft and chewy texture that makes them irresistible
  • Simple ingredients that are easy to find and use

The Joy of Baking with Citrus

Baking with citrus fruits like lemons adds a refreshing twist to traditional recipes. The bright acidity of lemons not only enhances the flavor profile but also elevates the overall experience of the baked goods. When you bite into these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies, the zesty flavor awakens your taste buds, making them a perfect treat for both casual gatherings and special occasions.

Using fresh lemon juice and zest in your baking not only provides a natural flavor boost but also infuses your home with a delightful aroma. This sensory experience can turn a simple baking session into a moment of joy, reminding you of sunny days and fresh beginnings. The smell of these cookies baking in the oven will surely entice everyone in your home.

Tips for Perfectly Soft Cookies

Achieving the perfect soft and chewy texture in cookies requires attention to detail. One crucial tip is to avoid overmixing the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Gently combine them until just incorporated to ensure your cookies remain tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, which is not ideal for these delicate lemon cookies.

Another key factor is to measure your flour accurately. Too much flour can make your cookies dry and crumbly. Consider using a kitchen scale for precise measurements, or fluff the flour before spooning it into your measuring cup. Following these tips will help you create cookies that are soft, chewy, and bursting with lemon flavor.

Serving and Storing Your Cookies

Once your Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are glazed and cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed! These cookies are perfect for sharing at parties, picnics, or simply as a sweet treat with your afternoon tea. Their vibrant flavor and chewy texture make them a hit among friends and family.

For storage, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, maintaining their softness. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing the unglazed cookies. Simply bake them, let them cool, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them and drizzle with glaze for a fresh taste.

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
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Glaze (optional)

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

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.

Cream Butter and Sugar

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

Add Egg and Lemon

Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

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

Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls 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 Lemon Glaze

While the cookies are baking, prepare the lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.

Cool and Glaze

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled cookies.

Enjoy your Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!

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Pro Tips

  • For an extra burst of flavor, add more lemon zest to the cookie dough.

The Benefits of Using Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients like lemons not only boosts flavor but also enhances the nutritional profile of your baked goods. Fresh lemons are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making your cookies a more wholesome treat. By incorporating natural flavors, you can create desserts that are not only delicious but also beneficial for your health.

Moreover, opting for fresh ingredients encourages better baking practices. It allows you to avoid artificial flavors and preservatives, ensuring that each bite is pure and satisfying. This commitment to quality is what sets homemade cookies apart from store-bought options, making your baking efforts even more rewarding.

Pairing Suggestions

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Consider serving them with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade for a citrusy delight. The tartness of the lemon complements the sweetness of the cookies, creating a harmonious balance that everyone will enjoy.

For a cozy evening treat, enjoy these cookies alongside a cup of herbal tea or coffee. The warm flavors of the tea or coffee contrast beautifully with the bright lemon, enhancing the overall experience. These pairing suggestions will make your cookie indulgence even more enjoyable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

→ How do I store the cookies?

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

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What can I substitute for butter?

You can use margarine or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free version.

Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are the perfect treat for lemon lovers, featuring a delightful balance of sweetness and tang.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Rowena Clarke

Recipe Type: Delightful Bakes

Skill Level: Beginner

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. 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Glaze (optional)

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons lemon juice

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.

Step 03

Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls 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 07

While the cookies are baking, prepare the lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.

Step 08

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled cookies.

Extra Tips

  1. For an extra burst of flavor, add more lemon zest to the cookie dough.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 1g