Lemon Cookie Recipe

Bright, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, this Lemon Cookie Recipe is everything you want from a homemade treat. Picture the scent of zesty lemon wafting from your kitchen and the moment you bite into a soft, golden cookie sparkling with sugar crystals. These cookies bring together simple pantry staples and a pop of real lemon flavor, making them perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering, afternoon snack, or a sunny addition to your cookie jar. They’re easy enough for a weekday bake but special enough to impress at your next get-together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Lemon Cookie Recipe works double duty: offering not just a specific flavor, but also shaping the irresistibly soft texture and bright color that set these cookies apart. Don’t skip the lemon zest – it’s the secret to that bakery-style citrusy aroma!

• Unsalted butter (1 cup/226g, room temperature): Creamy butter creates a tender, rich crumb while allowing the citrus flavors to shine.
• Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups/300g): Provides sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp edge with a chewy center.
• Lemon zest (3 Tbsp): Packs in tons of fresh, aromatic lemon flavor that infuses the whole dough.
• Fresh lemon juice (2 Tbsp): Adds that tangy punch and balances the sweetness in every bite.
• Large egg (1): Binds all the ingredients together for a perfectly structured, soft cookie.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups/360g): Gives the cookies their classic shape and chewy body.
• Baking soda (1 tsp): Leavens the cookies for just the right lift and texture.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances every flavor, highlighting the lemon and balancing the sweetness.
• Sugar for rolling (1/4 cup/50g): Coats the cookies for an irresistible sparkle and a light crunch.

How to Make Lemon Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Zest

Start by beating the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest together in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer for about one to two minutes. This step whips air into the butter, lightening the texture and ensuring the citrus oils from the zest are distributed evenly – it’s the beginning of that signature Lemon Cookie Recipe flavor!

Step 2: Add Lemon Juice and Egg

Pour in the fresh lemon juice and crack in the egg, then beat again until fully incorporated. The juice brightens the dough, while the egg brings everything together for that supple, scoopable consistency we want for cookies.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Switch to a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones – this prevents over-mixing and keeps your Lemon Cookie Recipe cookies soft and tender.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes. Chilling gives the dough time to hydrate, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 5: Shape and Roll in Sugar

Take the dough out of the fridge, and preheat your oven to 350ºF. Pour 1/4 cup sugar into a shallow bowl. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to scoop out dough balls, rolling each one in sugar to coat them evenly. This step creates that sparkling, crunchy exterior everyone loves.

Step 6: Bake

Space the cookie balls about two inches apart on a parchment or silicone lined baking sheet. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, watching for the edges to turn just faintly golden. This achieves that perfect balance: crisp-edged, yet deliciously soft in the middle.

Step 7: Cool

Allow the baked cookies to cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This prevents them from breaking apart and helps the centers firm up while the exteriors stay slightly crunchy and coated with sugar.

How to Serve Lemon Cookie Recipe

Garnishes

A fresh twist of lemon zest scattered over your cooled cookies brightens both the look and taste. For extra flair, drizzle a little lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and juice, or top with delicate edible flowers for a bakery-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

Pair your Lemon Cookie Recipe with a cup of hot tea or a refreshing glass of iced lemonade for pure citrus heaven. These cookies also love company from creamy vanilla ice cream or a tart berry compote for an easy, memorable dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack cookies high on a vintage cake stand, arrange them in a gift box lined with parchment, or tie up a bundle with ribbon for a homemade hostess gift. For parties, consider turning cookies into delightful ice cream sandwiches or using them to crown a lemony trifle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your Lemon Cookie Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. The zest and fresh juice mean these cookies stay bright and flavorful – just keep them sealed so they remain soft!

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies or unbaked dough balls. Place them in a freezer bag or container, and they’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. To bake from frozen, just add an extra minute or two to your bake time – no need to thaw.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies warm, pop them in a 300ºF oven for about five minutes or microwave them for a few seconds. This revives their fresh-baked aroma and restores a bit of that just-made softness.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

While you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, fresh lemon juice really brings brighter flavor to this Lemon Cookie Recipe. The zest from real lemons is also essential for that punchy, fragrant citrus aroma.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough gives the butter time to firm up, prevents spreading, and lets the flavors meld. Your cookies will bake up thicker, softer, and hold their shape for truly irresistible results.

Can I make these cookies gluten free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and double check the other ingredients are gluten-free too. The cookies might spread a tiny bit more, but they’ll still be packed with bright lemon flavor.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

Absolutely! This Lemon Cookie Recipe scales up wonderfully, making it easy to whip up a double batch for sharing at gatherings or gifting to friends. Just make sure to chill the dough so the cookies bake consistently.

How can I make the lemon flavor even stronger?

For extra zing, add a touch more zest or stir in a few drops of pure lemon extract along with the juice. A sprinkle of lemon sugar on top before baking also amps up the citrus punch.

Final Thoughts

Give this Lemon Cookie Recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s such a treasured favorite. With their sparkling sugar crust, fresh citrus notes, and perfect chew, these cookies are guaranteed to brighten anyone’s day. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share – though they’re so good, you just might want to keep them all to yourself!

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