Description
These soft and chewy lemon cookies are bursting with buttery richness and bright citrus flavor from fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and lemon extract. They have tender centers, lightly crisp edges, and are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon lemon zest, plus extra for garnish (optional)
1 large egg, room temperature
1 large egg yolk, room temperature
2 teaspoons lemon extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cornstarch
¾ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
¼ cup granulated sugar, for rolling and garnish
Instructions
- Beat the softened butter, 1½ cups granulated sugar, and lemon zest together for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and lemon extract, then mix until fully combined.
- Add the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt to the bowl.
- Pour the lemon juice over the baking soda and gently mix everything together just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Scoop the dough into 1½ to 2 tablespoon portions and roll into balls.
- Refrigerate the dough balls for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Roll each chilled dough ball in the remaining granulated sugar.
- Arrange the dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers remain soft.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- If desired, sprinkle with extra sugar and fresh lemon zest before serving.
Notes
Add white chocolate chips or poppy seeds for delicious variations.
Drizzle cooled cookies with a simple lemon glaze for extra sweetness.
Substitute lime or orange zest and juice for a citrus twist.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months or freeze unbaked dough balls and bake from frozen with 1–2 extra minutes.
Warm cookies in the microwave for 8–10 seconds to refresh their soft texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 203 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 28 mg
