Easy Lemon Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that’s bright, zesty, and just the right amount of sweet, these Easy Lemon Cookies will quickly become your go-to recipe. They’re buttery, soft, and bursting with real lemon flavor thanks to fresh zest and a light, tender crumb. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is the perfect way to bring a burst of sunshine to your kitchen, and each bite is a little reminder that the simplest ingredients can create something truly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of staple ingredients, these Easy Lemon Cookies deliver on both ease and flavor. Each one is carefully chosen to create a cookie that’s soft, bright, and unforgettable — let’s look at what you’ll need and why it matters.

• Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps give the cookies their classic light texture.
• Butter (softened): Butter is essential for tenderness and that melt-in-your-mouth richness; be sure to let it come to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Lemon zest: The real star of the show! Lemon zest infuses the cookies with fresh, vibrant flavor and natural color.
• Salt (or extra if using unsalted butter): A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness just right.
• Egg (room temperature): Helps bind the dough and gives the cookies their soft and chewy bite.
• Egg yolk (room temperature): Adding an extra yolk makes these cookies especially tender and rich without being cakey.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the recipe, flour provides structure while keeping the cookies light; add a touch more if the dough seems too sticky.

How to Make Easy Lemon Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients

Start by beating together your softened butter, granulated sugar, lemon zest, salt, whole egg, and that all-important egg yolk. Give it a good 3 to 4 minutes with your mixer — you want everything perfectly blended and a little fluffy. This step infuses the entire cookie with bright lemon flavor and sets up that dreamy, tender texture we’re after.

Step 2: Add the Flour

Gradually add the flour to your wet mix, stirring just until combined. If the dough looks sticky, sprinkle in a tablespoon or two of extra flour — you’re aiming for a dough that’s soft, but not so tacky it sticks to your hands. This careful mixing keeps your Easy Lemon Cookies tender, not tough.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Gather that sunny dough into a ball or roll it into a log, wrap it up in plastic, and let it chill in the fridge for 60 minutes. Chilling prevents your cookies from spreading too much and makes the dough easier to handle, so you get perfectly shaped lemon gems every time.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Once your dough is nice and cold, roll it into golf ball-sized rounds for classic cookies. Or, if you used the log method, slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Feeling creative? Roll the dough and cut out shapes using your favorite cookie cutters. Lay them on parchment-lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart — they need a little room to spread out while baking.

Step 5: Chill Again and Preheat

While your oven is preheating to 350F (180C), give those shaped cookies another quick chill for 10 to 15 minutes on the baking sheet. This final chill ensures the Easy Lemon Cookies bake up thick and soft, with crisp, golden edges.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the cookies into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. If you’re making thinner cut-outs, start checking at around 10 minutes. The most important thing is that magical golden hue around the edges. Let them cool on the pan for 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely before devouring.

How to Serve Easy Lemon Cookies

Garnishes

These Easy Lemon Cookies love a little flourish! Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish, or brush with a bit of lemon glaze for extra zing. For a truly special touch, try a dusting of finely grated lemon zest over the top just before serving — it wakes up all the fresh flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with an afternoon cup of tea, or serve them alongside coffee for a bright pick-me-up. They’re also wonderful as part of a dessert platter with fresh berries, a light vanilla yogurt dip, or a scoop of lemon sorbet to play up that citrus flair.

Creative Ways to Present

Package Easy Lemon Cookies in clear cellophane bags with a cute ribbon for homemade gifts, or layer them in a pretty cookie tin for a showstopping potluck offering. If you’re feeling decadent, serve them sandwich-style with a dollop of whipped mascarpone or lemon curd between two cookies for an extra-layered treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your baked Easy Lemon Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to one week — if they last that long! Keeping air out helps them retain their delicate texture and bright flavor, so don’t skip the airtight seal.

Freezing

Both the dough and the baked cookies freeze beautifully. Wrap unbaked dough balls or logs tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. The cookies themselves can be placed in a freezer-safe container, layered with parchment paper, and frozen for three months as well — perfect for last-minute cravings.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, let them thaw at room temperature if frozen, then pop them in a 300F oven for 3 to 5 minutes to refresh their texture. The cookies will come out tasting just-baked and even more fragrant with that lemony goodness.

FAQs

Can I add more lemon flavor to the cookies?

Absolutely! For extra citrus punch, add a teaspoon of lemon juice or a touch of lemon extract to the dough, or make a lemon icing to drizzle over cooled cookies.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons for zest?

No lemons on hand? You can substitute bottled lemon zest or even use a dash of pure lemon extract, but the flavor just won’t be as vibrant as with fresh lemon zest.

Can I use margarine or dairy-free butter?

Yes, you can substitute margarine or plant-based butter in the Easy Lemon Cookies, though the texture might be a bit different. Stick with versions labeled for baking for best results.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges start to turn a light golden color, but the centers are still soft. Overbaking can make them crisp instead of tender, so keep an eye on them in those final minutes.

Can I add mix-ins or toppings?

Definitely! Try stirring in poppy seeds for a classic lemon-poppy combo, or press white chocolate chips, sliced almonds, or even a raspberry into each cookie before baking for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something sweet, simple, and bursting with flavor, these Easy Lemon Cookies are sure to hit the spot. Whether you share them or keep them all to yourself (no judgment!), every bite is a homemade hug of sunshine. Happy baking, and don’t forget to let me know how your batch of Easy Lemon Cookies turns out!

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