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; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are bursting with bright citrus flavor and have a delightful chewy texture. Perfect for any occasion!

Created by

Ella Townsend

Last updated on 2025-12-22T22:31:50.277Z

These cookies are inspired by the sunny flavors of lemon and are perfect for those who love a refreshing twist in their treats. The combination of sweet and tangy makes them a delightful snack any time of the day!

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Bright lemon flavor that invigorates your taste buds
Soft and chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more
Simple ingredients that make baking a breeze
Perfect for sharing with friends and family

      

The Brightness of Lemon

Lemons are often considered the star of citrus fruits, and for good reason. Their vibrant yellow color and refreshing flavor instantly uplift any dish they touch. In these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies, the addition of fresh lemon juice and zest infuses a bright flavor that awakens the palate. Each bite is a delightful burst of citrus, making these cookies perfect for springtime gatherings or a sunny afternoon treat.

Aside from their zesty flavor, lemons are also packed with vitamin C, which can benefit your health. This tangy fruit not only adds taste but also provides a nutritious boost. When you bake with lemons, you’re not just creating something delicious—you’re also incorporating a little wellness into your desserts.

The Perfect Texture

Achieving the ideal cookie texture can be a challenge, but this recipe makes it easy. The combination of softened butter and sugar creates a creamy base that lends itself to a soft and chewy consistency. Unlike crunchy cookies, these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies offer a tender bite that melts in your mouth. The secret lies in the balance of ingredients and the careful baking time, ensuring that the edges are perfectly golden while the centers remain soft.

Moreover, the use of all-purpose flour combined with the right leavening agents gives these cookies their delightful rise. You can enjoy them as they are, or with the optional lemon glaze that adds an irresistible finish, enhancing both flavor and texture.

Baking Made Simple

Baking can sometimes feel intimidating, especially when it comes to making cookies from scratch. However, this Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies recipe simplifies the process with straightforward steps and common ingredients. You don’t need any special equipment—just a mixing bowl and a baking sheet will do. This makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice in the kitchen.

Additionally, the straightforward nature of this recipe means that you can whip up a batch in no time. Perfect for last-minute gatherings or a sweet surprise for your family, these cookies prove that delicious treats don’t have to be complicated.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the Lemon Glaze (optional)

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Combine these ingredients to create the perfect dough for your cookies!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 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, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should look soft.

Cool and Glaze

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If desired, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice to make a glaze and drizzle over the cooled cookies.

Enjoy these soft and chewy lemon cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!

Storing Your Cookies

To keep your Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies fresh for days, 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 extend their shelf life, you can also freeze the cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!

If you’ve made a batch with the optional lemon glaze, be sure to store them in the fridge if the glaze contains lemon juice. This will help preserve the glaze's freshness while keeping the cookies deliciously chewy.

Variations to Try

While the classic Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are a delight on their own, there are several variations you can try to mix things up. For a more indulgent treat, consider adding white chocolate chips or macadamia nuts to the dough. The creaminess of the chocolate pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon flavor, creating a delightful contrast.

Another fun twist is to incorporate other citrus fruits. Try substituting some of the lemon juice with lime or orange juice, and add zest from these fruits for a refreshing change. Each variation offers a different flavor profile while keeping the chewy texture you love.

Sharing the Love

Baking is often about sharing joy, and these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are perfect for that! Whether it's a family gathering, a picnic with friends, or a potluck, these cookies are sure to impress. Their bright flavor and appealing appearance make them a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Consider packaging these cookies in a decorative box or cellophane bags as gifts. A batch of homemade cookies is a heartfelt way to show appreciation to friends or neighbors. With their delicious taste and cheerful look, they’ll bring smiles to everyone’s faces!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can use margarine, but the texture may differ slightly.

→ How should I store these cookies?

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

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw and bake as directed.

→ What can I substitute for lemon juice?

You can use lime juice as a substitute for a different citrus flavor.