Name: Lemon Chia Seed Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; Dash of salt; 1 tbsp + 2 tsp chia seeds; 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened; 3/4 cup sugar; 2 tsp lemon juice; 2 tsp grated lemon zest; 1 egg, beaten; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 1/2 tsp lemon juice; 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp powdered icing sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 46 reviews

If you are looking for a bright and zesty treat that combines delightful textures and wholesome ingredients, this Lemon Chia Seed Cookies Recipe is an absolute winner. These cookies blend the vibrant tang of fresh lemon with the subtle crunch of chia seeds, creating a cookie that’s both refreshing and satisfyingly chewy. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, these cookies make for a lovely afternoon snack or a charming addition to any dessert spread. Once you dive into this recipe, you’ll see why it’s become a favorite go-to for bringing a burst of sunshine onto your cookie plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of dough rolled flat on a white marbled surface with small specks of herbs or spices visible throughout. Several round shapes with scalloped edges are cut out from the dough, tightly arranged close to each other. Some flour is lightly dusted on the dough and surface, adding a dry texture to the scene. The dough has a pale yellow color with tiny dark spots, and the overall look is soft but firm. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and harmony of flavors. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, enhancing the lemony brightness, and showcasing the unique quality of chia seeds.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives structure and chewiness to your cookies.
1 tsp baking powder: A small lift to keep the cookies light and tender.
Dash of salt: Balances and amplifies the sweetness and lemon flavors.
1 tbsp + 2 tsp chia seeds: Adds a delightful crunch plus a boost of nutrition and interesting texture.
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened: Brings richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
3/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping with browning and crisp edges.
2 tsp lemon juice: Packs a punch of fresh citrus tang essential for that lemon-forward flavor.
2 tsp grated lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon aroma with bright, aromatic oils.
1 egg, beaten: Binds everything together and adds moisture for perfect chewiness.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a hint of warmth that complements the citrus beautifully.
Lemon Icing (2 1/2 tsp lemon juice + 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp powdered icing sugar): A sweet and tangy finishing touch that glistens on top.

How to Make Lemon Chia Seed Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, baking powder, salt, and chia seeds in a large bowl. This ensures each cookie gets an even distribution of baking power and crunch from the chia seeds. Setting this aside lets you focus on the wet ingredients next.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter or margarine with the sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial as it helps incorporate air, which creates a tender, airy cookie texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Add Lemon and Egg

Now mix in the vibrant elements: lemon juice, lemon zest, the beaten egg, and vanilla extract. These ingredients bring the signature brightness of this Lemon Chia Seed Cookies Recipe, with the egg adding moisture and the vanilla lending subtle complexity.

Step 4: Combine the Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture just until combined. This step prevents overmixing, which can make cookies tough. Once mixed, you have a soft dough ready for shaping.

Step 5: Roll, Cut, and Bake

Lightly flour your workspace and rolling pin, then roll out the dough to your preferred thickness. Cut into any shape you love—circles, squares, or even fun patterns. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until the edges turn a subtle golden shade. This step crisps the edges while keeping the centers tender.

Step 6: Cool and Ice the Cookies

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a wired rack to cool completely. Prepare a simple lemon icing with lemon juice and powdered sugar, then drizzle it generously over the cooled cookies, enhancing both their sweetness and lemony zing.

How to Serve Lemon Chia Seed Cookies Recipe

The image shows round cookies with a light golden color and small dark specks throughout, placed on a metal cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a thin layer of white icing drizzled randomly on top in irregular patterns. The cookies have a slightly rough texture, and the metal rack has evenly spaced thin bars creating a simple grid below them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, consider sprinkling finely grated lemon zest or a few whole chia seeds on top of the icing before it sets. This adds a burst of color and texture that looks as delightful as it tastes.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, like Earl Grey or chamomile, which complements the citrus notes perfectly. Alternatively, a glass of cold milk or a fresh summer berry salad balances the tart and sweet profile beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these cookies into a charming dessert platter by stacking them with layers of fresh lemon slices and sprigs of mint. You can even gently press a few edible flowers into the icing for a whimsical garden look that’s sure to impress guests or brighten up your snack time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking and icing, store your Lemon Chia Seed Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to a week, maintaining their lovely softness and citrus aroma.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead of time, freeze the uniced, fully baked cookies in a single layer on a tray. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and drizzle the lemon icing freshly before serving.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, gently warm the cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This revives the softness and releases the delightful lemon fragrance.

FAQs

Can I substitute chia seeds with another ingredient?

Absolutely! If you don’t have chia seeds, flaxseeds work as a good alternative, providing similar texture. However, the unique crunch and nutty flavor of chia seeds do add a special touch to this recipe.

Can I use lemon juice from a bottle?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best for the brightest flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just be mindful that the flavor might be a bit less vibrant.

How thick should I roll the cookie dough?

Rolling the dough to about 1/4 inch thick strikes a great balance between soft centers and crisp edges, allowing the lemon and chia seeds to shine through beautifully.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Not as is, since it uses egg and butter. But you can substitute vegan butter and a flax egg (flaxseed mixed with water) to make it vegan-friendly with similar results.

How long do the cookies keep their freshness?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these Lemon Chia Seed Cookies stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is best.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chia Seed Cookies Recipe is a true joy to bake and even greater to share. The lively lemon flavor combined with the unique crunch of chia seeds makes every bite feel special yet simple. Give these cookies a try—you might just find a new favorite to brighten your snack time and spread some delicious sunshine among friends and family.