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 lemon extract and 1 tsp 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; Additional lemon zest (optional, for sprinkling)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 33 reviews

If you are craving a delightful treat that strikes the perfect balance between tangy freshness and sugary sweetness, you’ve just found your new favorite! This Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe is pure sunshine in dessert form—each bite bursting with vibrant lemon flavor and an irresistibly tender texture that melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you make these, your cookie jar will never be the same again. Whether for afternoon tea, a casual snack, or a special occasion, these lemon cookies are a cheerful, flavorful way to brighten any day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a large silver mixing bowl holding a pale yellow dough with a crumbly texture, partially stirred. Inside the bowl, a spatula with a wooden handle and a light blue flexible head is standing upright, slightly inserted into the dough. Around the bowl, there are two lemon halves and a white peeler with a brown handle placed on a white marbled surface. The scene is well-lit, showing the rough texture of the dough clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the right ingredients together is half the fun and makes all the difference with this Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to deliver that signature soft texture, bright lemon punch, and the perfect balance of sweetness.

12 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and softness to the cookies, helping them stay chewy.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s tender crumb.
1 tbsp lemon zest: Brings natural and intense lemon oils that brighten every bite.
1 large egg, room temperature: Binds ingredients and adds moisture for softness.
1 large egg yolk, room temperature: Boosts richness and chewiness.
2 tsp lemon extract: Enhances the lemon flavor intensely; or use 1 tsp lemon and 1 tsp vanilla extract for complexity.
3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled: Creates the right structure without making cookies tough.
1 tsp baking soda: Provides gentle leavening, ensuring a light, soft texture.
1 tsp cornstarch: Helps keep the cookies tender and chewy by softening the flour proteins.
¾ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
2 tbsp lemon juice: Reacts with baking soda for delicate lift and adds fresh acidity.
¼ cup granulated sugar, for rolling & garnishing: Adds a sparkling finish and a subtle crunch on the outside.

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 fresh lemon zest together in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. This will take about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. A little pro tip here: rubbing the lemon zest with sugar between your fingertips before adding it helps release even more lemon oils, giving your cookies that vibrant, fresh zing we all love.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Extracts

Next, blend in the large egg, egg yolk, and lemon extract (or your lemon and vanilla extracts). Adding eggs at room temperature ensures better emulsification which translates to a smoother, more tender cookie dough.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Then add these dry ingredients in a mound on top of the wet mixture. This approach makes for gentle incorporation, which keeps the cookies soft rather than dense.

Step 4: Add Lemon Juice to Activate Baking Soda

Pour the lemon juice directly on top of the baking soda before stirring in. You’ll notice a little fizzing action—that’s the chemical reaction working its magic to give your cookies that slightly airy and soft texture.

Step 5: Mix Just Until Combined

Now mix everything until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, causing tougher cookies, so be gentle and stop as soon as the dough comes together.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

You have two options here: either chill the dough as is or portion it into balls roughly 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons each before refrigerating. Chilling is key—it helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 7: Refrigerate for At Least One Hour

Patience really pays off here. A good chill ensures the best texture and flavor development. You’ll be rewarded with cookies that hold their shape yet remain soft and moist inside.

Step 8: Preheat Oven and Roll Cookies in Sugar

Set your oven to 325°F and while it heats, roll each dough ball into granulated sugar. This extra step adds a delicate crunch and a sparkling finish that looks as good as it tastes.

Step 9: Bake with Care

Place 6 to 8 cookies on parchment paper-lined baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The key here is not to overbake—these cookies should come out soft and slightly puffy. They will settle as they cool, so watch the clock closely.

Step 10: Shape and Cool

Right when the cookies come out of the oven and are still warm, gently swirl a cup around each one to shape them into perfect circles. Then allow them to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Finally, sprinkle a little extra sugar or fresh lemon zest on top for a pretty finish.

How to Serve Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe

A close-up view of a round, light beige cookie with a rough, sugary texture, sprinkled with small bright yellow lemon zest pieces on top. The cookie has a bite taken from its upper left side, revealing a soft inside. It sits on a metallic baking tray with a striped pattern. To the upper left, there is a white bowl filled with finely grated yellow lemon zest, and on the lower right side, a whole yellow lemon is partially visible. The surface below the tray is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of extra granulated sugar or a pinch of lemon zest immediately before serving adds a little sparkle and intensifies the citrus aroma. For a fancy touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin drizzle of white chocolate pairs beautifully.

Side Dishes

These lemon cookies are fantastic alongside a fragrant cup of Earl Grey tea or a bright chamomile. On warmer days, serve them with a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet for a refreshing combo that highlights their zesty profile.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, stack the cookies between layers of lemon curd or cream cheese frosting to create mini lemon cookie sandwiches. Alternatively, arrange them on a platter with fresh edible flowers or candied lemon slices for a cheerful centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookies store wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This short-term storage keeps the cookies soft and chewy, just like they were freshly baked.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, these cookies freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To refresh the softness of your lemon cookies after storing or freezing, pop them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F for just a few minutes. This will revive their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute lemon extract with fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice adds wonderful flavor but lacks the concentrated intensity of lemon extract. For optimal lemony brightness, it’s best to use lemon extract in combination with fresh juice for both depth and freshness.

Why do the cookies need cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps in making cookies softer and less dense by softening the flour proteins. It’s a small secret ingredient that contributes significantly to the charming chewy texture of these lemon cookies.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe precisely. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly to avoid overly salty cookies.

How do I make sure my cookies turn out soft, not crispy?

The keys are avoiding overbaking and chilling the dough. Baking at a slightly lower temperature and removing the cookies when they appear just set and puffy ensures they remain soft and chewy.

Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?

Absolutely! White chocolate chips, poppy seeds, or a hint of ginger can complement the lemon beautifully. Just be mindful not to overpower the bright lemon flavor that makes this recipe so special.

Final Thoughts

This Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe is one of those delightful discoveries that once you try, you’ll want to make again and again. The perfect marriage of bright lemon flavor with a tender, chewy texture makes these cookies utterly irresistible. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a batch of these sunny little cookies—you won’t regret it!