Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies
These soft & chewy lemon cookies are a delightful treat that is sure to brighten your day. With a burst of citrus flavor and a tender texture, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or a dessert to impress your guests, these lemon cookies are a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Great flavors: The combination of lemon zest, lemon juice, and lemon extract creates a vibrant and refreshing flavor profile.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, these cookies can be whipped up in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for later, making them a convenient option for busy days.
Ingredient Notes:
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cookies.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to create a soft texture.
- Lemon zest: Adds a bright and citrusy flavor.
- Large egg and egg yolk: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- Lemon extract: Intensifies the lemon flavor, but can be substituted with a combination of lemon and vanilla extract.
- All-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, salt: Create the base of the cookie dough.
- Lemon juice: Adds a tangy kick to the cookies.
- Granulated sugar for rolling & garnishing: Adds a sweet and crunchy coating to the cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the lemon zest, egg, egg yolk, and lemon extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Shape the dough into balls, roll them in granulated sugar, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool before enjoying.
Helpful Tips:
- Chill the dough: For extra chewy cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust the lemon flavor: If you prefer a more subtle lemon flavor, reduce the amount of lemon zest and juice.
- Store in an airtight container: To keep the cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the most vibrant flavor.
- Don’t overbake the cookies to ensure they stay soft and chewy.
Serving Suggestions:
These soft & chewy lemon cookies pair perfectly with a cup of hot tea or a glass of cold milk. They also make a delightful addition to a dessert platter or cookie tray.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftover cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place the cookies in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, but adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
- Can I omit the cornstarch? The cornstarch helps to create a tender texture, but you can omit it if necessary.
- Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of lemon? Yes, you can try using lime or orange for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion:
These soft & chewy lemon cookies are a delightful treat that is sure to impress. With their bright and citrusy flavor, tender texture, and easy preparation, these cookies are a must-try for any lemon lover. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious results!

Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10-12 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 32 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and chewy lemon cookies are bursting with citrus flavor and are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and will quickly become a favorite treat for lemon lovers!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp. lemon zest
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 2 tsp. lemon extract (or 1 tsp. each lemon and vanilla extract)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. cornstarch
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- 2 tbsp. lemon juice
- ¼ cup granulated sugar, for rolling & garnishing
Instructions
- Creaming: In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs: Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and lemon extract until well combined.
- Dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Chill and roll: Cover the dough and chill for at least 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350°F. Shape dough into balls, roll in sugar, and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still soft. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- You can add a drizzle of lemon glaze or sprinkle powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest and lemon extract.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: Lemon cookies, soft cookies, chewy cookies, dessert recipe