Lemon Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These lemon cookies are bright, chewy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Perfect for a sweet treat that’s both simple to make and refreshing to enjoy anytime.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest together with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until creamy and well combined.
2. Step 2: Add the fresh lemon juice and egg to the bowl, then beat again until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing by hand with a spatula until just combined and no dry flour remains.
4. Step 4: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30 to 60 minutes to firm up.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Pour the 1/4 cup sugar into a small bowl for rolling the cookies.
6. Step 6: Using a cookie scoop, form dough balls and roll each one in the sugar. Place them 2 inches apart on a silicone-lined baking sheet to allow space for spreading.
7. Step 7: Bake the cookies for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges turn a faint golden color. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For extra lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the batter along with the fresh juice.
• If you prefer a zestier cookie, increase the lemon zest to 4 tablespoons.
• Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and a bit more texture.
• Rolling cookies in colored sanding sugar can add a festive touch for holidays or parties.

Storage

Store cooled lemon cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in a 300ºF oven for 5 minutes to refresh their softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While fresh lemon juice provides the best natural flavor and brightness, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% lemon juice without added preservatives for the best taste.

How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much?

Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent excessive spreading. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate and avoid placing the cookies too close together on the baking sheet.

Lemon Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 145 reviews

This delightful Lemon Cookie Recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy citrus and sweet buttery flavors. Soft yet slightly crisp on the edges, these lemon cookies are perfect for tea time or any occasion where you crave a refreshing, zesty treat. The dough is simple to prepare, chilled to enhance flavor and texture, then rolled in sugar for a pleasant crunch before baking to golden perfection.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 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

For Rolling

• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Mix Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest: In a mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest using an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until creamy and well combined.
2. Add Lemon Juice and Egg: Incorporate the fresh lemon juice and the large egg into the mixture, beating again to achieve a smooth, homogenous batter.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Use a spatula to mix gently by hand until a cohesive dough forms.
4. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes to firm up the dough, which aids in shaping and enhances flavor.
5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Rolling Sugar: When ready, remove the dough from the fridge and preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Pour 1/4 cup sugar into a bowl for rolling the dough balls.
6. Shape and Roll Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, form dough into balls. Roll each ball thoroughly in the sugar to coat evenly. Place the coated cookies about 2 inches apart on a silicone-lined baking sheet to allow spreading during baking.
7. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies just begin to turn a faint golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked.
8. Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• Room temperature butter is essential for proper creaming and texture.
• Chilling the dough makes shaping easier and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best citrus flavor.
• The cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
• You can freeze the dough balls before baking for up to 3 months; thaw slightly before rolling in sugar and baking.

Keywords: lemon cookies, citrus cookies, lemon zest cookies, baked cookies, homemade cookies, sweet lemon treats