Lemon cookies are a delightful treat loved for their bright citrus flavor, soft texture, and buttery richness. Thought to have roots in traditional American baking, they bring a refreshing twist to the classic cookie. Whether you enjoy them with tea, as a light dessert, or during the holidays, their sweet-tart balance makes them universally appealing.
What sets lemon cookies apart is their fragrant zest, melt-in-your-mouth crumb, and that subtle tang that wakes up your taste buds. These cookies are not just a treat—they’re sunshine in every bite!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
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2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
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¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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Zest of 2 lemons
Optional Add-ins:
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½ cup white chocolate chips (for sweetness)
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Powdered sugar (for rolling or dusting)
Substitutions:
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Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
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Vegan: Replace eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use vegan butter.
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Low Sugar: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or erythritol.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Preheat Oven
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Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Mix Dry Ingredients
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Cream Butter and Sugar
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In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
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Add Wet Ingredients
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Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until combined.
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Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
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Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
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Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
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Cover and chill for 30 minutes for thicker, chewier cookies.
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Shape and Bake
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Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls, roll them in powdered sugar if desired, and place 2 inches apart on baking sheet.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Cool and Enjoy
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Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
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Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
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Use fresh lemons for both zest and juice—bottled juice won’t give the same vibrant flavor.
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Chill the dough for more control over spread and a chewy texture.
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Zesting tip: Use a microplane for fine zest without the bitter white pith.
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Soft cookies: Don’t overbake! They may look underdone but will continue to set as they cool.
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Tools: Electric mixer, silicone baking mat, and cookie scoop can all enhance ease and consistency.
Variations and Customizations
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Glazed Lemon Cookies: Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice).
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Lemon Poppy Seed: Add 1 tbsp poppy seeds to the dough for a subtle crunch.
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Lavender Lemon: Infuse dough with ½ tsp dried culinary lavender for a floral twist.
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Lemon Cream Sandwiches: Spread lemon curd or buttercream between two cookies.
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Low-Carb/Keto: Use almond flour and keto-friendly sweeteners.
Serving Suggestions
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Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar or add a lemon glaze drizzle.
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Pairings: Enjoy with Earl Grey tea, iced matcha, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Occasions: Great for brunches, baby showers, cookie swaps, or a cozy afternoon treat.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – approx.)
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Calories: 130
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Protein: 2g
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Carbs: 18g
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Fat: 6g
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Fiber: 0.5g
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Sugar: 10g
(Values may vary based on ingredients and portion size)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes! Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.
Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.
Q: Why are my cookies flat?
A: Over-creaming butter, warm dough, or too much sugar can cause spreading. Chill the dough and measure carefully.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Yes, but it may affect texture. Try reducing by ¼ cup first and adjust to taste.
Closing Thoughts
Baking lemon cookies is more than just a recipe—it’s a way to add brightness to your day. Their cheerful flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a timeless favorite. Whether you stick to the classic or experiment with fun variations, this lemon cookie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
