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 garnish

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that perfectly balances bright citrus flavor with a tender bite, this Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine biting into luscious cookies that are bursting with fresh lemon zest and juice, with a texture so soft and chewy it feels like a warm hug. These cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a mood lifter, a conversation starter, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll keep coming back for these zesty delights time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of various baking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. In the lower part of the image is a white bowl filled with white flour, next to it on the left is a ruler, and above it is a small white bowl with lemon zest. Three bright yellow lemons sit inside a white bowl on the upper left side. To the right of the lemons is a bottle of vanilla extract. Surrounding the vanilla are several small white bowls containing sugar, salt, baking powder, and three brown eggs. On the far right, a lemon half rests on a small white cutting board with a blue knife beside it. A woman's hand holds the knife as if about to slice the lemon. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of these soft & chewy lemon cookies comes from a straightforward but well-curated list of ingredients. Each part plays a vital role, whether it’s creating the perfect softness, lending a burst of citrus brightness, or adding just the right amount of sweetness to keep you coming back for more.

12 tbsp unsalted butter: Softened for creamy richness and the ultimate tender texture.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create that irresistible chewiness.
1 tbsp lemon zest: Offers fresh, aromatic citrus oils to elevate every bite.
1 large egg: Binds ingredients for softness and moisture.
1 large egg yolk: Adds extra richness for chewy, tender cookies.
2 tsp lemon extract: Intensifies the lemon flavor (or try 1 tsp lemon and 1 tsp vanilla extract for a subtle twist).
3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure; spooned and leveled for accuracy.
1 tsp baking soda: Leavens and aids in a light, airy texture.
1 tsp cornstarch: Ensures softness by tenderizing the crumb.
¾ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
2 tbsp lemon juice: Activates baking soda and adds bright citrus zing.
¼ cup granulated sugar: For rolling and garnishing, giving the cookies a sparkling 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 your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Whip it for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Here’s a fun trick: rub the lemon zest and sugar together between your fingertips before adding it in. This releases extra oils from the zest, packing your dough with even more vibrant lemon aroma.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Extracts

Next, crack in your large egg and egg yolk that have been brought to room temperature, then pour in the lemon extract. Give it another good mix until everything is well combined and creamy, ensuring that lovely lemon flavor melds perfectly throughout the dough.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Now mound this mixture over your wet ingredients in the mixer bowl and spread the baking soda evenly on top.

Step 4: Add Lemon Juice and Activate

Slowly pour the lemon juice over the pile of baking soda – watch as it fizzes and foams, activating the leavening agents for delightfully soft cookies! Mix everything just until combined; be careful not to over-mix, or you might lose that tender texture.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

You can refrigerate the raw dough as is or portion it out by scooping into balls about 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons in size, then roll them to be ready for sugar coating. Chill for at least an hour. This resting step helps develop the flavors and results in cookies that bake up soft and chewy rather than flat and crisp.

Step 6: Prep for Baking

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place about ¼ cup sugar into a shallow bowl and roll each chilled dough ball in the sugar to coat thoroughly. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and arrange 6-8 cookies spaced apart to allow them room to spread beautifully.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes. The key here is to avoid overbaking; you want them to remain irresistibly soft and chewy in the center. When they come out of the oven, swirl a warm cup or glass gently around each cookie to nudge them into perfect, round shapes – it’s a simple trick that elevates their homemade charm.

Step 8: Cool and Garnish

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely. Although they’ll puff out in the oven, they settle into perfectly tender, chewy cookies. For an extra touch of sparkle, sprinkle more granulated sugar or a little fresh lemon zest atop the cooled cookies.

How to Serve Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe

The left side shows a metal bowl with rough, crumbly dough inside, light beige in color, with a wooden spatula resting in it. To the side, two halved lemons are partially visible on a white marbled surface. The right side shows woman's hands holding a smooth, round dough ball above a baking sheet lined with brown parchment paper; several other dough balls rest on the sheet, some rolled in sugar with a white bowl full of sugar nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies are naturally beautiful, but adding a sprinkle of extra lemon zest or dusting them lightly with powdered sugar can make them look almost too pretty to eat. You might also try a thin drizzle of lemon glaze for an added tang and shine that dazzles the eye and palate alike.

Side Dishes

Pair your soft & chewy lemon cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of hot Earl Grey tea, or a gentle chamomile for a soothing combo. If you want to keep the citrus theme going, serve with fresh berries or a light lemon sorbet to brighten up your dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these lemon cookies into a charming gift by packaging them in a pastel-colored tin or cellophane bags decorated with a hand-tied ribbon. For gatherings, stack them on a pretty platter between layers of parchment paper and garnish with lemon slices and edible flowers to create a stunning centerpiece everyone will admire before diving in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cookie treasures in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. Placing a slice of bread or a slightly damp paper towel in the container helps maintain that perfect soft and chewy texture by keeping moisture balanced.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Place them on a tray spaced apart, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, pop them into the oven from frozen and add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover cookies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at low heat (about 300°F) for 5 minutes to refresh their soft, chewy texture. Avoid over-heating or they may become dry and lose their tender character.

FAQs

Can I use lemon juice instead of lemon extract in the Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While the lemon extract provides a concentrated flavor, using fresh lemon juice adds a natural tang and brightness. The recipe actually calls for both lemon juice and lemon extract to balance flavor and texture perfectly.

Why do the cookies need to be chilled before baking?

Chilling the dough helps solidify the butter and prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld, resulting in chewier, more flavorful cookies.

What makes these lemon cookies so soft and chewy?

The combination of egg yolk, cornstarch, and balanced baking soda activated by lemon juice creates a tender, moist crumb. Also, avoiding overbaking locks in that soft texture we all crave.

Can I substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?

You can try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but results may vary. The texture might differ slightly, and you may want to add a binding ingredient like xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted, chill the dough before baking, and avoid overmixing the batter. These steps help maintain the cookie’s structure and perfect chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe is hands down one of those delightful bakes that make your kitchen smell like sunshine and your taste buds sing with joy. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these lemony gems are simple to create and almost impossible to resist. I can’t wait for you to try them and watch how quickly they become a favorite go-to treat in your home.