This is my go-to easy lemon cookies recipe. It’s got the real lemon flavor I’m after and that perfect soft-but-crisp texture I love. They’re bright, zesty, and rolled in sugar for the perfect crisp bite.
I originally published this recipe in 2017, and since then, I have updated it with new photos and success tips. The recipe remains the same.
Table of Contents
One reader shared: “So good!!“
Why I Love This Recipe
These are the lemon cookies I crave when I need a lemony pick-me-up. Soft in the center, crisp on the edges, and packed with fresh citrus flavor. Here are a few other reasons why I think you’ll love this lemony recipe.
- Uses fresh lemon juice like in my lemon bars recipe.
- Rolling them in sugar before baking gives the outside a light crunch.
- No chilling, no complicated steps – just mix, roll, and bake.
- I love how easy they are to throw together, like this old-fashioned lemon pound cake.
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Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Butter: This is going to give our lemon cookies a rich and buttery flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Sugar is not only going to sweeten our cookies, but it also helps to give them a nice golden brown color as they bake.
- Eggs: The eggs act as a binding agent in this recipe, helping to hold all the ingredients together. They also add moisture to the cookies.
- Lemon Juice: This is the star ingredient that gives our cookies a bright and tangy lemon flavor. It’s what makes these cookies so deliciously refreshing. Add the zest of one or two lemons to the cookie dough for a stronger lemon flavor.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These are the leavening agents that will help the cookies rise and bake perfectly.
- All-Purpose Flour: Flour is the base of our cookie dough, providing structure to the cookies.
How to Make Easy Lemon Cookies
Preparation
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 1 – Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until they are smooth and well combined.
Step 2 – Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the fresh lemon juice. This will give your cookies a bright, citrusy flavor that’s perfect for spring and summer.
Step 3 – Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder to the bowl all at once. Mix them together with the wet ingredients until no flour remains. Your cookie dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 4 – Shape the Cookies
Use your hands to roll the cookie dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Then, roll each ball in a light coating of granulated sugar. This will give your cookies a sweet, crunchy exterior.
Step 5 – Bake the Cookies
Place the sugar-coated cookie dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
Lynette’s Tip
To ensure your easy lemon cookies have the perfect texture, do not overmix the dough once you add the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Make Ahead/Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can easily freeze these cookies. After they have cooled, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
Recipe FAQs
These lemon cookies are easy to make because the recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store. The preparation is straightforward, and the cookies only take 10 minutes to bake.
Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice if that’s what you have on hand. However, fresh lemon juice will give the cookies a more vibrant and fresh flavor.
More Lemon Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Easy Lemon Cookies
Equipment
- hand mixer or stand mixer
Ingredients
- ¾ Cup butter softened
- 1 Cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 Cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Grease or line a cookie sheet to prepare for the cookies.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1 Cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and beat well. Mix in the lemon juice.
- Add in the flour, baking soda, and baking powder all at once and mix together until no flour remains.
- Roll the dough into small balls using your hands, and roll each of the balls into a light coating of sugar.
- Place on a lined or greased baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. The cookies will crack on the tops and have a slight browning on the edges. Let cool on a cooling rack.
Notes
My Favorite Variations & Substitutions:
- Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one or two lemons to the cookie dough for a stronger lemon flavor.
- Glaze: After the cookies have cooled, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice to make a thick glaze. Drizzle it over the cookies for a sweet-tart finish.
- Lemon Sandwich Cookies: Spread a layer of lemon curd between two cookies to make delicious lemon sandwich cookies.
So good!!
Glad you enjoyed them!
I made them exactly as instructed and they didn’t taste like lemon at all and they spread out terribly 🙁
For cookies. What is oven temp?
350°