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The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe

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  • Author: Amy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour (including chill time)
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft, chewy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor, these Ultimate Lemon Cookies are made with fresh lemon juice and zest for a perfectly balanced sweet-tart treat. Lightly crisp on the edges and tender in the center, they’re a sunshine-filled cookie that’s as easy as it is irresistible.


Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp cornstarch

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs

2 tbsp freshly grated lemon zest (from 2 medium lemons)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional: 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling or glazing)


Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and slightly creamy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll in powdered sugar if desired, and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked.
  9. Cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. For extra flavor, drizzle cooled cookies with a glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

Notes

Chilling the dough prevents spreading and enhances chewiness.

Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.

Add white chocolate chips or shredded coconut for variations.

Double the lemon zest or add a drop of lemon extract for more tartness.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days, or freeze up to 2 months.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 115
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg