This recipe for zesty lemon cookies has the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. These cookies are easy to make and mix up in just a few minutes. Full of buttery goodness, the cookies practically melt in your mouth. You may have a hard time eating just one! Freshly grated lemon zest is the star of these soft-centered cookies.
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What's to love about these cookies
These zesty lemon cookies freeze well and I usually have several in my freezer. There is not much better than coming home after a hard day at the bakery, defrosting one of these cookies and enjoying it with a cup of Earl Grey tea! I promise your friends will enjoy these lemon cookies at your next tea party as they are light and refreshing.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make these lemon cookies:
- All-purpose flour - I prefer unbleached flour in all of my creations. It will provide more structure in your baked goods as it has a denser texture than bleached flour. I highly recommend King Arthur products such as their flours, spices, baking powder and soda, etc...
- Baking soda and salt
- Butter - use unsalted butter brought to room temperature before starting this recipe.
- Granulated sugar
- Egg - use a large egg and bring to room temperature before starting this recipe
- Lemon juice and zest - note: cooks often make the mistake of 'over-zesting' citrus fruits by digging too deeply into the peel which adds bitterness to your creation. Try to use a light hand when zesting your lemons for this cookie. Only take the top layer of the rind which is where the tanginess is.
Instructions
Follow the instructions below to whip up these easy zesty lemon cookies:
1 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt and lemon zest.
2 - Using a stand-mixer with the paddle attachment, begin mixing together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (approximately 2 - 4 minutes on medium speed). Scrape sides of bowl as needed. Note: a hand mixer may also be used.
3 - Add egg and lemon juice. Mix on medium speed until well combined. Scrape sides of bowl as needed.
4 - Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until combined. Take care not to overmix as this can lead to a tough cookie.
5 - Scoop dough onto baking pans lined with parchment or silicone baking sheets. Use a small cookie scoop (approximately 1 ½ tablespoon per cookie). Leave approximately 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake cookies for 10 - 12 minutes or until tops are a pale golden color.
Flavor Variations
- Blueberry Lemon Cookies: Add a cup of wild Maine blueberries to the dough and mix gently with a rubber spatula.
- Lemon Coconut Cookies: Add a one and a half cups of sweetened, shredded coconut to the dough and mix with a rubber spatula to distribute evenly. Alternative, roll the lemon cookie in shredded coconut after scooping and before baking.
- Basil Lemon Cookies: Finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh basil and mix into the cookie dough before baking.
I hope you enjoy these Zesty Lemon Cookies as much as my family and friends have over the years!
📋 Recipe
Lemon Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- Stand Mixer or hand mixer
- 2 Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Bowls, measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 Cups All Purpose Flour (2 Cups)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Zest (appoximately 2 lemons)
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice (approximately 2 lemons)
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- ½ Cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature
- 1 Large Egg, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ (180℃)
- Prepare 2 baking sheets by lining with parchment or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt and lemon zest. Set aside for later.2 Cups All Purpose Flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon Salt, 2 Tablespoons Lemon Zest
- Using a stand-mixer with the paddle attachment, begin mixing together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (approximately 2 - 4 minutes on medium speed). Scrape sides of bowl as needed. Note: a hand mixer may also be used.½ Cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature, 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- Add egg and lemon juice. Mix on medium speed until well combined. Scrape sides of bowl as needed.1 Large Egg, room temperature, 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until combined. Take care to not overmix which may result in a tough cookie.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheets using a small cookie scoop (approximately 1 ½ tablespoon per cookie). Leave approximately 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake cookies for 10 - 12 minutes or until tops are a pale golden color.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 to 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Luna S says
The pop of citrus would be lovely! These cookies sound like they are so good, I need to make these. I wonder if it would work with orange as well?
dessertswithstephanie says
Hello Luna, Yes, this recipe works well with orange or lime.
Stephanie says
I love the taste of lemon in desserts. These were delicious like this, but I want to try adding coconut next time as you suggested.
Beth says
These cookies are superb. I love the bright lemon flavor, and the texture is just amazing.
SONIA SEIVWRIGHT says
Quick and Easy - just how I like it. I love how easy they are to make and the fact that they can be mixed up in just a few minutes is a definite plus. The idea of buttery goodness that practically melts in my mouth is making me salivate. And I can't resist anything with freshly grated lemon zest - it's such a refreshing and delicious addition to any recipe.
Lynn says
Quick, easy and delicious - a goto when you need a sweet treat quickly. Your coffee is waiting for these!
Julie says
I just tried your recipe for Zesty Lemon Cookies and they were absolutely amazing! The perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, and so soft and chewy. I can't believe how easy they were to make, too. I'm definitely going to make them again soon.
Julie, Blended Decor Blog https://www.julieannrachelle.com/bio
dessertswithstephanie says
Julie, thank you for your feedback on the Lemon Cookies!
Tara says
My mom loves lemon so these are on the list for Mother’s Day. And I agree with your tip on not over zesting citrus so it’s not bitter. Great note!
Andrew C says
Tangy and yummy cookie recipe. I made it exactly per the recipe.
Janice says
Recipe for lemon cookies worked great for me. Will make again.
CanGee says
Lovely recipe. I used lots of lime zest to make these lime cookies and these are yummy.