These lemon cookies are soft baked and have plenty of lemon zest, lemon juice, and lemon extract throughout for a delicious lemon treat!
Y’all know I’m addicted to all things citrus. I’ve forgone my lime addiction for now, and switched over to lemons and let me tell you, these lemon cookies are simple and even “plain” looking, but that says nothing about how they burst with lemon flavor!
I’ve covered all the lemon flavors that I could: zest, juice, AND extract! It creates one bright, lemony cookie!
And don’t even get me started on how soft these cookies are! Thick, chewy, soft, lemony goodness! I’m ready to make them in lime too! MMM!!!
Soft Baked Lemon Cookies
These lemon cookies are soft baked and have plenty of lemon zest, lemon juice, and lemon extract throughout for a delicious lemon treat!
Ingredients
- 10 Tbsp butter
- 1 cup sugar
- zest of 2 lemons (about 1 Tbsp lemon zest)
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
- 1 1/2 tsp pure lemon extract
- 5 drops yellow food coloring
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, sugar, and lemon zest. Add the egg, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon extract, and yellow food coloring. Mix thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until incorporated, scraping the bowl as necessary.
- Scoop 1½ Tbsp sized cookie dough balls and roll them in a bowl with ¼ cup powdered sugar. Place cookies on a parchment or silicone lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 9 to 10 minutes. Store cookies in an airtight container or plastic bag up to 5 days.
Recipe Notes
© DESSERT NOW DINNER LATER All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please re-create the recipe, snap YOUR OWN PHOTO and re-write the recipe in YOUR OWN WORDS, or link back to this post for the recipe.
Recipe altered from Cooking Classy
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
March 12, 2015 at 5:09 AMI love this version of a lemon cookie. The blue, grey, and yellow placemat is adorable, too!
Jen says
March 12, 2015 at 10:24 AMI love a good lemon cookie! These look like they would melt in your mouth. They are so perfect, Amber!
julie says
March 12, 2015 at 8:07 PMMy mom created a similar recipe a few years ago. It’s basically her snicker doodle recipe without the vanilla and adding lemon extract instead. But, the ingredient that really pushes them over the edge is lemon chips (like chocolate chips; only lemon). They’re hard to find and kind of expensive, but oh so very yummy!
Amber says
March 14, 2015 at 10:20 AMOh! I wish I could get my hands one some lemon chips! I’ve only played with them when I worked in a couple of different bakeries! So delicious!
Cat says
January 9, 2016 at 12:52 PMYou can buy them from the King Arthur Flour website
http://www.kingarthurflour.com
Vidia Wicks says
January 6, 2017 at 6:38 AMyou can buy lemon chips plus any other kinds and lots of other baking supplies, spices at the Bargain Barn
Jim D says
March 12, 2015 at 8:21 PMThese really look wonderful. When life gives you lemons, make cookies! 🙂
Amber says
March 14, 2015 at 10:19 AMI totally agree with that statement! Cookies for the win! Thanks Jim!
Lisa says
March 12, 2015 at 9:34 PMSuper excited about these! I am also a citrus addict and love ALL things lemon!
quichethecook.blogspot.com
Amber says
March 14, 2015 at 10:19 AMThanks Lisa! I can’t get enough lemon, especially this time of year!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
March 13, 2015 at 6:34 AMCitrus desserts are my favorite too! They look absolutely perfect! I love how soft and chewy they are 🙂
Amber says
March 14, 2015 at 10:18 AMI think we need a citrus lovers club! 😉 Thanks Kelly!
Michelle { A Latte Food } says
March 13, 2015 at 10:06 AMI can’t get enough of lemon desserts! Especially this time of the year! These cookies look perfect–soft and chewy just how I love them!
Amber says
March 14, 2015 at 10:17 AMI love lemon in the Spring as well! And these are so soft and chewy! Thanks Michelle!
Teresa says
March 13, 2015 at 5:03 PMThese look so good, Amber. I love lemon–can’t wait to give these a try!
Amber says
March 14, 2015 at 10:17 AMThanks Teresa! Lemon is a staple in my springtime baking! Enjoy!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
March 13, 2015 at 9:22 PMOooh these look perfectly soft and moist. Love lemon desserts!! Yum!
Amber says
March 14, 2015 at 10:16 AMThanks Jess! They certainly are! And I love lemon too!
Jennifer says
March 15, 2015 at 7:49 PMMade these and they are great! Only difference is that I thought I had lemon EXTRACT but it was actually lemon OIL so I only used a few drops for fear of overdoing it. Love the soft, semi-chewy texture and the bright lemon flavor.
Amber says
March 16, 2015 at 1:21 PMGlad you thought to reduce the amount of oil, since it is stronger than extract! And I’m glad you liked them!
Bobbi Davis says
March 22, 2015 at 8:10 AMI made these cookies yesterday and they are delicious!! Yum!
Amber says
March 23, 2015 at 10:24 AMI’m so glad you liked them Bobbi! Thanks for stopping by to leave your comment!
Sherrie says
March 29, 2015 at 4:13 PMI just Made these and did a thumb print with lemon filling and just baked two minutes more and they turned out wonderful, my husband loved them. Thanks
Amber says
March 30, 2015 at 3:22 PMThat sounds like an amazing addition to these cookies! Thanks for sharing!
Amanda says
March 29, 2015 at 8:21 PMWow! These were incredible! I made them for afternoon tea for my friend from brazil and she loved them!
Amber says
March 30, 2015 at 3:22 PMThat’s so great Amanda! I’m so happy you enjoyed them!
Crystal says
April 6, 2015 at 12:23 PMWell I found your blog by chance and OMGoodness am I thankful. I made these cookies for my Family Easter Dinner this weekend and WOW what a huge hit!! My Hubby rolled his eyes and the idea of a Lemon Cookie he “Old Lady cookies” Well he ate so many everytime he walked to the Platter I asked. Feeling like an Old Lady again?? LOL Thank you Thank you and wait to make more of your yummy food. Have a blessed day!
Amber says
April 6, 2015 at 12:26 PMOoh, great choice! That’s the best when you prove your hubby wrong. 😉 Glad everyone liked them so much! Definitely look around, I’m sure there is more you would enjoy! Thanks Crystal!
Meredith Vrobel says
April 25, 2015 at 11:24 AMMade these for hubby as a lemon lover also. Great recipe easy to make and lots of lemon flavor! Will be making often glad I found in time for summer season. Thanks Amber!
Amber says
April 26, 2015 at 8:29 AMI’m so glad to hear that Meredith! Thanks for leaving your review!
Sarah M says
May 21, 2015 at 5:25 PMThoughts on these staying soft if I freeze them after baking? Trying to come up with desserts for my wedding dessert table that are easy/can be freezed in advance.
Amber says
May 22, 2015 at 7:56 PMI haven’t tried freezing them myself, but I would suggest to try and fit as many as you can in a single-layer on a wax paper lined baking sheet. I’m not sure they would stack well, they might stick to each other and possibly wax paper if you stack them on top of each other. Maybe try one batch and freeze it to see how it does.
ottawajules says
November 20, 2015 at 3:41 PMI made these and they were absolutely fabulous! I froze half the batch and baked it a week later – turned out just as good! I shared your link on my blog! https://iamproductivelyprocrastinating.wordpress.com/2015/11/20/adventures-in-procrasti-baking-the-cookie-edition/ Cheers!
Amber says
November 21, 2015 at 12:38 PMThat’s so great! Good to know they freeze well. Thanks for linking back to my recipe!
sarah says
December 15, 2015 at 10:07 PMcould i substitute lemon extract by adding more lemon juice?
Amber says
December 18, 2015 at 10:08 AMYou can. The lemon extract flavor doesn’t get baked out as much as lemon juice does, but the only thing it may do is flatten your cookie slightly depending on how much extra you add.
Jess says
January 21, 2016 at 5:37 PMExcellent recipe…..made it as part of the dessert menu for a group of 80 people – a HUGE hit! Thanks so much for sharing.
Amber says
January 22, 2016 at 1:12 PMWonderful news Jess! So glad everyone enjoyed them! Thanks for your review!
Fatty says
February 6, 2016 at 12:07 AMSooooooo I don’t know what I did wrong but they turned out as little lemon cake circles. Good nonetheless. Definitely suggest this recipe if you do it right. Either way, it’s still delicious.
Amber says
February 7, 2016 at 2:38 PMGlad they tasted good at least. Next time you can try leaving out the extra egg yolk or increasing the butter 2 to 4 Tbsp to make them denser.
Val says
February 28, 2016 at 5:06 PMCan you make these w/o the extract and zest? Because at the moment I cannot find any lemons lying around my house. 🙂 Also, I just rediscovered your page and I <3 <3 <3 it as always! 🙂
Amber says
February 28, 2016 at 6:00 PMHi Val! So glad you found me again! You could make these without the extract and zest, but they won’t be very lemony. Most of the lemon flavor comes from those two ingredients. I like a really tangy lemon flavor though. If you like a hint of lemon, these might still work great with what you have on hand. Good luck!
Val says
February 28, 2016 at 7:23 PMThank you! Is there any possible way that I could add a little extra lemon juice without ruining the recipe?
Amber says
March 1, 2016 at 8:20 AMThey might be okay, otherwise they will flatten more or do the complete opposite and puff up more. It’s hard to say.
Val says
March 3, 2016 at 6:30 PMHi, Amber! I posted this recipe on my blog and gave credits to you and I put it in my own words. I used your picture but, I gave credits!
Amber says
March 3, 2016 at 6:46 PMHi Val, thanks for your honesty, but unfortunately I don’t allow my images to be posted with the full recipe even if it’s in your own words. If you take your own picture that’s fine, but please remove mine. Thank you!
Val says
March 3, 2016 at 6:58 PMOK. 🙂
Val says
March 3, 2016 at 7:29 PMI took it down. 🙂
Amber says
March 3, 2016 at 9:04 PMThank you!
Connie says
November 27, 2017 at 11:42 AMI’m a little confused about how much butter to put in recipe
Amber says
November 27, 2017 at 11:58 AM10 Tablespoons or 5 ounces. If you live in the U.S. and use the sticks of butter, it’s one full stick plus 2 Tablespoons. It’s usually marked on the paper that the butter is wrapped in.
Ships says
March 10, 2016 at 7:06 PMI am inspired to make a blueberry + lemon cookie – would it be okay to link your recipe for the lemon cookie base? My site: http://www.mixedbagashley.com!
Amber says
March 12, 2016 at 9:14 AMOf course! I can’t wait to see how they turn out with the blueberries!
Tay says
May 5, 2016 at 11:55 AMThese are delicious! Instead of the lemon extract I used rum, really brings out the lemon!
Amber says
May 8, 2016 at 7:56 AMNice! Thanks for your comment Tay!
LeeAnn Slauson says
May 10, 2016 at 5:46 PMI just came across your blog and it didn’t take me long to sign up for the emails!!! I want to make these for a ladies tea this weekend but they want a lemon and lavender cookie. Could I put a light lavender glaze on these and sprinkle with fresh lavender without weighing down the wonderful soft texture?
Amber says
May 11, 2016 at 9:09 AMI think a light lavender glaze would work out perfectly! Just keep it thin and light. Let me know how they turn out! Thanks for subscribing LeeAnn!
Mary Janssen says
May 13, 2016 at 12:46 PMHow many cookies does this recipe yield?
Amber says
May 16, 2016 at 1:50 PMHi Mary! This recipe makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies. I typically put the yield towards the top of the recipe card, so you know where to look for it next time. 🙂 I hope you love these!
Orit Afek says
July 1, 2016 at 12:09 PMMy 21 year old daughter, ho is crazy for lemon cakes/cookies/deserts, emailed this recipe to me 3 days ago.
I couldn’t wait for the weekend to come so that I will have time to bake them. Today, finally came the weekend and I did! They came out so wonderful, lemony, with great texture, great aroma, and so easy to make !
Thank you for this great recipe !
Amber says
July 2, 2016 at 9:26 AMThat’s great news Orit! Thanks for your comment, I’m so glad you liked them!
Dannisue says
July 12, 2016 at 10:07 AMI have made cake mix cookies for several years and Lemon is one of my favorites. I also finish my Lemon cookies with a glaze made with Powdered Sugar, Lemon juice and zest with some Vegetable Oil.
Amber says
July 12, 2016 at 9:00 PMVery cool!
plasterers bristol says
July 20, 2016 at 10:02 AMJust delcious. Amything lemon, one of my faves this. Thanks .
Simon
Lucie says
July 26, 2016 at 5:05 PMAnyone tried using a gluten-free flour?
Many thanks. [email protected]
Amber says
July 28, 2016 at 7:37 AMI haven’t, sorry Lucie, but please let us know if you try it and how it turns out!
Lesa says
February 7, 2017 at 7:04 PMOh.my.yum!!!!! Words.fail.me…
Add a little lemon-powdered sugar-half and half frosting and you have a recipe for being sick all night because I ate WAY more than I would EVER admit!
Too bad my husband and kids came in…I could have eaten the whole batch!!!!
Great recipe! Awesome job!!
Amber says
February 8, 2017 at 8:07 AMWell, I’m sorry you ate too many, but if you enjoyed them that much, I’m glad too. 🙂 Thanks for your feedback Lesa!
betty says
March 27, 2017 at 5:36 PMdo you need the paddles or will just the beaters do
Amber says
March 28, 2017 at 10:08 AMJust be sure your butter is soft so it doesn’t break your beaters.
maya says
April 30, 2017 at 9:54 PMJust finished trying this recipe, turned out really good. I changed the quantities because I only wanted about half of what your recipe was making. So half butter, half sugar, half flour, half baking powder, but the same amount of eggs, zest and juice of one lemon instead of the extract and no food coloring.
I used the egg white I had left to make meringue that I put on top of the baked cookies and broiled for 3 min. It make to cookies look even classier!
Amber says
May 5, 2017 at 7:29 AMMeringue on top! That’s a fun idea! Thanks for sharing!
Kathy says
July 28, 2017 at 4:45 PMIs it ok to use self rising flour instead of all purpose and baking soda?
Amber says
July 28, 2017 at 10:49 PMI’ve never used self rising flour, so I’m not sure if it would work out okay or not. Sorry!
Linda Miller says
December 11, 2017 at 5:50 PMMy daughter loves anything lemon. I made these last year at Christmas and about 5 times during the year. She loved them!!!!! I did add additional zest just for my daughter. I did use the recipe for the base for a fruit tart….rolled the dough, placed in a tart pan, baked, added lemon curd and fruit and baked a few more minutes. What a great dessert!!!!
Amber says
December 11, 2017 at 9:11 PMThat sounds amazing! What a fun way to use this recipe!
Deb says
February 18, 2018 at 10:08 AMThese stayed in a ball and didn’t flatten
Amber says
February 20, 2018 at 6:56 AMThat’s strange. I’m sorry they didn’t spread for you. In the future, you can always use the bottom of a glass dipped in powdered sugar to flatten them before baking if you run into that problem again.
Dominique says
March 21, 2018 at 3:15 PMCan you double the recipe, if yes, how?
Amber says
March 21, 2018 at 5:24 PMFor sure. Just double (x2) all the ingredients. So, 20 Tbsp butter is 2 1/2 sticks or 1 1/4 cups. Everything else should be fairly simple to double.
Dominique says
April 16, 2018 at 8:01 AMOk thank you. I’ve learned the hard way that doubling a recipe can mess it up.
Ashley Van Vurst says
June 3, 2018 at 11:27 AMCan you use lemon juice
Amber says
June 3, 2018 at 9:07 PMFor sure! I almost always have a bottle of lemon juice in my fridge at all times. I do love the addition of fresh lemon zest, but it will still work fine without it. Maybe do 2 tsp of lemon extract if you don’t use zest for that added punch of flavor.
Trixie says
July 3, 2018 at 4:18 PMHi Amber. These sound so good. I’m going to make them tonight with lemons from my lemon tree!
One question though… the cookies in your video are more “smooshed” looking than the cookies in the pictures on the blog. Did the video cookies get pressed down before or after baking?
Amber says
July 3, 2018 at 4:52 PMYou actually shouldn’t have to press the cookies at all. I don’t but if you run into problems, dip the bottom of a cup in powdered sugar and press them halfway before baking. I hired out that particular video, so that’s why they look slightly different than the pictures. Good luck and enjoy!
Trixie says
July 5, 2018 at 10:10 AMGreat, thanks.
I made these yesterday, and they were very yummy. I put one batch on a cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat, and one on parchment paper. The cookies on the parchment paper spread more (in a good way). I didn’t have lemon extract so I added a bit more lemon juice and zest. They weren’t quite as tart as I wanted, so I finished them with a glaze of lemon juice & a mix of ultrafine sugar and powdered sugar. It did the trick! It was a little thin, so it soaked nicely into the cookies without making them soggy/damp. Overall a success!! I brought them to a July 4 dinner last night and received several compliments and a request for the recipe.
Amber says
July 8, 2018 at 10:39 AMThanks for sharing your experience Trixie! Glad you were able to alter the recipe with what you had on hand!
Lilia Diaz says
November 10, 2018 at 11:03 AMI make this cookies this morning and I have to said THEY ARE AMAZING !!!!! we love them and I will be making them for a very long time.
Thank you.
Amber Brady says
November 11, 2018 at 5:59 AMThat’s great! I’m so glad you enjoyed these lemon cookies so much! Thanks for your comment Lilia!
Taylor says
November 20, 2018 at 10:36 PMHas anyone ever tried adding white chocolate chips to these? Im going to make these for Thanksgiving and was curious 🙂
Amber Brady says
November 21, 2018 at 2:34 PMShould be just fine! Enjoy!
Alice Marcel says
February 14, 2019 at 6:16 AMMade this for my man for Valentine’s Day after a 3 course meal and he loved it ! Melts in the mouth ! Delightful.
Amber | Dessert Now Dinner Later says
February 17, 2019 at 7:02 PMWonderful! Glad you liked them!
Jackie says
May 7, 2019 at 6:31 PMThese are sooo delicious and just melt in your mouth… a recipe I’ll be using over and over!! Thank you!!
Amber | Dessert Now Dinner Later says
May 9, 2019 at 3:25 PMI’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe Jackie! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment with your experience.