🍳DailyRecipes
Dessert

Soft and Chewy Lemon Cookies

These thick, chewy cookies are packed with bright lemon flavor and topped with a simple sweet glaze.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 19, 2026
Soft and Chewy Lemon Cookies
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
12 minutes
Total
27 minutes
Serves
18

There is something so refreshing about the combination of bright citrus and a soft, chewy cookie. These lemon treats are a favorite in my kitchen because they stay wonderfully soft for days and always add a little sunshine to the afternoon coffee break.

My top tip for the best flavor is to rub the lemon zest into the granulated sugar with your fingertips before mixing. This releases the oils in the zest and ensures every bite is truly lemony.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar for the glaze
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice for the glaze

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

  3. 3

    In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

  4. 4

    Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.

  5. 5

    Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

  6. 6

    Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and place them onto your prepared baking sheet.

  7. 7

    Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just barely golden, but the centers still look soft.

  8. 8

    Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.

  9. 9

    Whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice together in a small bowl until smooth, then drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.

💡 Tips

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft for up to 5 days. If you want a punchier lemon flavor, feel free to add an extra teaspoon of zest to the dough.

#cookies#lemon#dessert#sweets#baking

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