Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies

There’s something about lemon cookies that just tastes like sunshine. These soft and chewy lemon cookies are bursting with zesty citrus flavor and have that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture that keeps you reaching for more. With their crinkly tops, slightly crisp edges, and fluffy centers, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart. Whether you’re baking for a spring brunch, holiday dessert tray, or just craving a bright pick-me-up treat, these cookies deliver every time.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/4 cup powdered sugar for rolling

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy. This step infuses the dough with citrus flavor while creating a smooth, creamy base.

Add the Lemon and Egg

Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined. The fresh lemon juice gives the cookies that signature zing, while the vanilla softens the overall flavor.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a dough forms. It will be soft, but not sticky.

Chill the Dough

For best results, chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and enhances their chewy texture.

Preheat and Roll

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and, if desired, roll them lightly in powdered sugar for a subtle crackled finish.

Bake to Perfection

Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet and bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Don’t overbake—these cookies are meant to be soft.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, they’re perfectly chewy with a gentle citrus punch in every bite.

Final Thoughts

These soft and chewy lemon cookies are a citrusy dream. They’re light, flavorful, and easy to make—perfect for any occasion that calls for something sweet with a little zing. Pair them with tea, lemonade, or eat them by the handful.

Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.