Description
These soft and chewy lemon cookies are bright, zesty, and full of fresh citrus flavor. They’re quick to make, require no chilling, and can be adapted to be vegan or dairy-free. Perfect for spring and summer or any time you want a light, refreshing treat.
Ingredients
1/2 cup softened butter or vegan butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon milk of choice
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out.
- Lightly flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Optional: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with lemon glaze.
Notes
No dough chilling required — quick and easy!
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
Cookies will appear slightly underbaked in the center but will firm up as they cool.
To make vegan, use plant-based butter and milk.
Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freeze in a single layer for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
