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Lemon Cookies

Soft, chewy cookies with a proper lemony punch and a crinkly sugar-zest crust.

oven 350°F
prep 20 min
bake / cook 9–10 min
total ~1 hr 30 min
serves ~24 cookies
posted June 4, 2026

Ingredients

Dough
amount ingredient note
2/3 cup Salted Butter softened
225 g Granulated Sugar
2 Tbsp Lemon Zest
1 Large Egg Yolk
1 Large Egg
1 Tbsp Lemon Juice fresh squeezed is best
1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
2 cups All-purpose Flour
3/4 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
Sugar Coating
amount ingredient note
3 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
1 tsp Lemon Zest

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine the butter, sugar, and lemon zest in an electric mixer. Beat at medium speed for 1–2 minutes until slightly fluffy.

  2. 2

    Add the whole egg and mix until fully incorporated.

  3. 3

    Add the egg yolk, vanilla, and lemon juice - mix until the mixture turns creamy.

  4. 4

    Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix at low speed just until a dough forms.

  5. 5

    Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour - overnight is better.

    • If you have extra lemon juice, work a little more into the dough before chilling. It really helps the flavor stand out.
  6. 6

    Combine the coating sugar and lemon zest in a small bowl and mix well.

  7. 7

    Roll the dough into roughly 1–2 oz balls and toss in the coating. Place on a lined baking sheet.

  8. 8

    Bake for 9–10 minutes. The edges should be just set; the center should look slightly underdone.

    • Let cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes before moving, they firm up as they cool.
    • The finished cookie should be soft and slightly chewy in the middle.