Name: Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
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; ¾ tsp salt; 2 tbsp lemon juice; ¼ cup granulated sugar; Optional: extra lemon zest for sprinkling

If you’ve been dreaming of a cookie that strikes the perfect balance between tender softness and irresistible chewiness, your search ends here with this Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe. Zesty lemon flavor bursts through every bite, complemented by a delicate sugar crust that gives just the right amount of crunch. These cookies are a sunshine-filled treat that feel as refreshing as a summer breeze but cozy enough to enjoy all year long. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a quiet afternoon indulgence, this recipe brings a joyful lemony twist to classic cookies you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side close-up views inside a silver metal mixing bowl on a white marbled surface. On the left, large chunks of pale yellow butter sit on top of white sugar, with small bright yellow pieces of lemon zest scattered across the butter. The white beater of a silver mixer is lowered into the bowl. On the right, the mixer is mixing a smooth, creamy white mixture with two raw egg yolks visible near the bottom right side of the bowl. Cracked eggshell halves lie nearby on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe starts with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the richness of butter to the bright zing from lemon zest and juice, every element builds layers of flavor and texture that make these cookies truly unforgettable.

12 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Provides a tender crumb and rich flavor; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and creates a delightful sugary crust when rolled before baking.
1 tbsp lemon zest: Packs an intense citrus aroma and fresh lemon flavor that lights up every bite.
1 large egg, room temperature: Helps bind the dough and adds moisture for softness.
1 large egg yolk, room temperature: Contributes to richness and a silky texture.
2 tsp lemon extract (or 1 tsp each lemon and vanilla extract): Amplifies the lemon flavor while adding a hint of warmth.
3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled: The base of the cookie that shapes its structure.
1 tsp baking soda: Leavens the dough, making the cookies tender and soft.
1 tsp cornstarch: Keeps the cookies light and helps with chewiness.
3/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
2 tbsp lemon juice: Reacts with baking soda for lift and adds fresh tartness.
¼ cup granulated sugar for rolling and garnishing: Adds a sparkling crunch and beautiful finish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest

Start by beating the softened butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Whip them together for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and almost creamy. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is evenly combined. Pro tip: rub the lemon zest and sugar between your fingertips before adding them; this releases the essential oils that give the cookies a super bright citrus punch.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Extracts

Next, mix in the large egg and egg yolk along with the lemon extract or a combo of lemon and vanilla. These ingredients work hand in hand to create a luscious, moist dough that promises a soft bite every time.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mound the all-purpose flour and sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, and salt on top. Adding the leavening agents and salt on top like this helps them mix in evenly without overworking the dough.

Step 4: Activate Lift with Lemon Juice

Pour the lemon juice right over the baking soda and watch it foam up—that fizz means the baking soda is waking up and getting ready to give your cookies that perfect tender rise.

Step 5: Mix Until Just Combined

Bring everything together gently, mixing just until the flour mixture integrates with the wet ingredients. Overmixing here is the enemy of chewiness, so stop as soon as you don’t see dry streaks.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

You can either refrigerate the dough as is or scoop it into balls (about 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons each) and chill those. The chilling step is crucial—it firms up the dough, traps flavors, and stops the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Aim for at least 1 hour in the fridge before baking.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 325°F. When ready, roll the dough balls in the extra granulated sugar to create a sweet, shiny coating that adds to the cookie’s charm once baked. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats, and place about 6 to 8 cookies per sheet to give them enough space.

Step 8: Bake to Soft Perfection

Bake the cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely so they don’t overbake. They should be soft and slightly puffy when you take them out. While they’re still warm, swirl a cup gently around each cookie to perfect their circular shape—this little trick makes them look bakery-worthy!

Step 9: Cool and Garnish

Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, they’ll settle from their puffiness to soft, chewy delights. Sprinkle a bit more granulated sugar and fresh lemon zest on top for a sparkling, zesty finish that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

How to Serve Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe

The image is split into two parts on white marbled surfaces. On the left side, there are round dough balls of light beige color placed on brown parchment paper on a baking sheet. The dough balls vary slightly in texture, some smooth and some a bit rough or cracked. One dough ball is in a small white dish filled with white sugar. On the right side, a woman's hand is pressing down a clear glass on flattened dough rounds placed on brown parchment paper on a baking tray. The dough rounds are smooth and light beige with a slightly stretched texture. The overall scene shows the process of shaping the dough for baking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies shine with a delicate sprinkle of granulated sugar and fresh lemon zest, which adds a pop of color and bursts of citrus aroma. For a fun twist, you could even add some edible flowers or a gentle dusting of powdered sugar to make them extra festive.

Side Dishes

Pair these Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe treats with a cup of hot tea or a glass of cold milk. Their bright lemon flavor cuts through creamy drinks beautifully, refreshing the palate. They also work wonderfully alongside a light citrus salad or fresh berries for a vibrant dessert platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your lemon cookies on a pretty plate and intersperse with thin lemon slices or candied lemon peel for a charming, homemade touch. You can sandwich them with lemon-flavored buttercream or cream cheese frosting to turn this cookie into a delightful small dessert. Wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with twine makes a lovely gift too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep these cookies fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Adding a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain moisture and keeps the cookies irresistibly chewy.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls either raw or scooped and rolled in sugar for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with baking as usual. You can also freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for hassle-free snacks later.

Reheating

For that just-baked feel, warm your cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in the oven at 300°F for 3 to 4 minutes. This softens them up beautifully and brings out all the fresh lemony aromatics.

FAQs

Can I substitute lemon extract with fresh lemon juice only?

While fresh lemon juice adds bright flavor and activates the baking soda, lemon extract boosts the overall lemon aroma enormously. Using both together gives the best zesty punch in your Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough firms it up so the cookies don’t spread too thin while baking, resulting in that perfect soft yet chewy texture. It also allows time for the flavors to meld, making each bite more flavorful.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Using salted butter can work, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the final flavor balance.

How do I know when these cookies are done?

The cookies should look set and slightly puffed but still soft in the center when removed from the oven. Overbaking will make them crisp rather than soft and chewy, so keep a close eye during the last few minutes.

What’s the best way to get more lemon flavor in the cookies?

Using fresh lemon zest and juice along with lemon extract captures all aspects of lemon’s brightness and tang. Rubbing the zest with sugar before adding releases more oils, intensifying that delightful citrus flavor in your Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it turns simple ingredients into glorious bites of lemony comfort. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or sneaking away for a special treat just for yourself. Once you try them, you’ll understand why these cookies bring such delight and sunshine to any day. So grab your lemons and get baking – a batch of these cookies is truly a joy worth savoring!