Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

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

Lydia Spencer

Created by

Lydia Spencer

Last updated on 2025-12-21T07:55:54.912Z

These cookies combine the bright flavor of fresh lemons with a soft, chewy texture that makes them irresistible. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or as a sweet treat any time of the day, they are sure to brighten your mood!

Why You Will Love These Cookies

  • Bursting with fresh lemon flavor
  • Soft and chewy texture that is simply delightful
  • Easy to make and perfect for sharing

The Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Tartness

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies showcase a delightful balance between sweetness and tartness, making them a favorite among lemon lovers. The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest infuses each cookie with a vibrant citrus flavor that is both refreshing and invigorating. This unique flavor profile not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brightens your day, making these cookies a perfect treat for any occasion.

The use of granulated sugar contributes to the cookies' sweetness, while the fresh lemon juice and zest counterbalance that sweetness with a zesty kick. This harmony between flavors ensures that each bite is a delightful experience, appealing to those who appreciate the complexity of citrus desserts. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as an afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to impress.

A Chewy Texture That Everyone Will Adore

One of the standout features of these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies is their irresistible chewy texture. Achieving this perfect consistency requires just the right balance of ingredients and baking time. By creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, you create an airy base that contributes to the cookies' chewiness. Additionally, the careful combination of baking soda, baking powder, and flour ensures that the cookies rise beautifully while maintaining that sought-after chew.

The result is a cookie that is soft on the inside yet slightly crisp on the edges, creating a delightful contrast in texture. Each bite offers a satisfying chew that keeps you coming back for more. These cookies are not only delicious but also a joy to eat, making them a great addition to any dessert table or a perfect treat to share with friends.

Easy to Make and Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the best aspects of these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies is how simple they are to make. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up a batch in no time. The process is enjoyable, from creaming the butter and sugar to shaping the cookies. This simplicity makes the recipe perfect for baking with children or for those who may not have much experience in the kitchen.

Whether you're planning a summer picnic, a birthday party, or simply want to indulge in a homemade treat, these cookies fit the bill. They are easy to transport and can be served at various gatherings, making them a versatile dessert. Plus, the bright lemon flavor brings a refreshing touch to any occasion, ensuring your cookies will be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly for a luscious cookie dough.

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 granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Shape the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten the tops slightly.

Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Dust with Powdered Sugar

Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies!

Tips for Storing Your Cookies

To keep your Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their chewy texture and prevent them from drying out. If you live in a humid environment, consider adding a slice of bread to the container; this will help absorb excess moisture and keep your cookies soft.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy fresh lemon cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Variations to Try

If you're looking to mix things up, consider adding a handful of white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor. The sweetness of the chocolate pairs beautifully with the tart lemon, creating a decadent treat that is sure to impress.

For an extra zing, experiment with different citrus flavors. Try incorporating lime or orange zest and juice for a citrus medley that offers a unique twist on the classic lemon cookie. Each variation brings its own character while maintaining that delightful chewy texture you love.

Serving Suggestions

These Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your serving experience with a few simple additions. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert that blends creamy and citrusy flavors, perfect for warm days.

Alternatively, serve the cookies alongside a cup of herbal tea or lemonade for a refreshing afternoon snack. The combination of flavors will complement each other beautifully, making for a relaxing moment to unwind and enjoy. No matter how you serve them, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute, but it may alter the flavor 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 cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw before baking.

→ What can I do if I don't have fresh lemons?

You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemons give the best flavor.

Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

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

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Lydia Spencer

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

For the Cookies

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1 large egg
  4. 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  5. 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  7. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  8. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  9. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  10. 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  11. Powdered sugar for dusting

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. Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 04

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten the tops slightly.

Step 05

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 06

Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 2g