Lemon Cookie Recipe

Published: January 10, 2026

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This cookie dough can be whipped up in just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze.
Zesty Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest gives these cookies a refreshing citrus kick.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, holidays, or an everyday snack, these cookies fit any occasion.
Freezer-Friendly: Dough can be frozen for later use, allowing you to always have fresh cookies on hand.
Chewy Texture: The result is thick and chewy cookies that will melt in your mouth.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your lemon cookies, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Cookie scoop
Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl helps combine ingredients easily without spills.
Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures thorough mixing for a consistent dough.
Cookie scoop: Provides uniform cookie sizes for even baking and presentation.
Silicone baking mat: Prevents cookies from sticking and promotes even browning.

Ingredients

To create your delicious lemon cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

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: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and lemon zest with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add in the lemon juice and egg, beating again until well combined.
Gradually add in the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing by hand with a spatula until everything is well incorporated.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate the dough for 30-60 minutes to firm it up.

Step 3: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet

Remove the dough from the fridge.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place 1/4 cup of sugar in a small bowl for rolling your cookie balls.

Step 4: Shape and Bake Cookies

Use a cookie scoop to form balls from the chilled dough.
Roll each ball into the sugar until coated.
Place them about 2 inches apart on a silicone-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 11-13 minutes or until the edges show a faint golden color.

Step 5: Cool & Enjoy

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

Now you have a delightful batch of chewy lemon sugar cookies ready to be enjoyed!

These delightful Lemon Cookies are perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon, there are many ways to serve and enjoy these treats.

With Tea or Coffee

Pair your lemon cookies with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. The citrus flavor complements the warm beverages beautifully.

At Parties

Serve these cookies on a colorful platter at parties or gatherings. Their bright yellow hue and sweet aroma will attract guests and add a festive touch to your dessert table.

As Gifts

Package the cookies in decorative boxes or tins as gifts. They make excellent homemade presents for friends and family, especially during holidays or special occasions.

As Dessert for Dinner

Offer these cookies as a light dessert after dinner. Their refreshing taste can cleanse the palate after a rich meal, providing a sweet ending that isn’t too heavy.

With Fresh Fruit

Serve lemon cookies alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced citrus. This combination enhances the flavors and adds a healthy touch to your dessert spread.

To make your Lemon Cookies even better, consider these helpful tips for achieving the best results.

Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide vibrant flavor. Avoid bottled juices when possible.
Measure accurately: Use proper measuring techniques for flour and sugar to ensure consistent cookie texture.
Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies in the oven; they should be lightly golden at the edges but soft in the center.
Experiment with toppings: Consider adding a light glaze or sprinkle of powdered sugar after baking for an extra touch of sweetness.

Lemon Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some delicious options to consider:

Fruit Salad
A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a bright, juicy contrast to the rich sweetness of lemon cookies.
Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy side that balances out the tartness of the cookies perfectly.
Cheese Platter
Offer mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese alongside crackers. The creaminess pairs well with the zesty flavor of lemon cookies.
Iced Tea
A chilled glass of iced tea, flavored with mint or lemon, makes for a cooling beverage that complements your cookie treats nicely.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
These sweet bites are not only visually appealing but also add a rich chocolate flavor that contrasts beautifully with lemon.
Mini Cupcakes
Light vanilla or citrus-flavored mini cupcakes can create an appealing dessert spread that matches well with lemon cookies.
Pistachio Ice Cream
The nutty flavor of pistachio ice cream serves as an unexpected but delightful side dish to enhance your cookie experience.
Lemon Sorbet
For an extra citrus kick, serve lemon sorbet as a cool refresher alongside your lemon cookies, enhancing their flavors even further.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your delicious lemon cookies, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

Using Cold Butter: Cold butter can lead to tough cookies. Always use room temperature butter for a soft and chewy texture.
Forgetting the Lemon Zest: Skipping lemon zest can dull the flavor. Always include this ingredient to enhance the citrusy taste of your cookies.
Not Chilling the Dough: Chilling helps prevent spreading. Make sure to refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Overbaking: Overbaking will make cookies dry and hard. Watch them closely and remove them when the edges are just golden.
Incorrect Measurements: Using too much or too little flour can affect texture. Always measure ingredients accurately for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, watching carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Lemon Cookie Recipe that might help you out!

Can I make these lemon cookies gluten-free?

You can easily substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure it’s a blend meant for baking.

Feel free to add poppy seeds, white chocolate chips, or even blueberries for extra flavor!

If your dough is sticky, try adding more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Look for the edges turning light golden brown; they will continue cooking slightly once removed from the oven.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While fresh lemon juice is recommended for better flavor, bottled juice can be used in a pinch but may not have the same freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Cookie Recipe is not only popular but also incredibly versatile! With its thick and chewy texture, it’s perfect as-is or with creative additions. I encourage you to try this recipe and explore different flavors by customizing it with your favorite mix-ins!

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Lemon Cookie Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe