Easy Lemon Sugar Cookies from Scratch (Soft, Chewy & Full of Citrus Flavor)

Looking for the ultimate soft lemon cookies recipe? These easy lemon sugar cookies from scratch are perfectly chewy with bright, zesty flavor in every bite—and they’re made in one bowl!

Why These Chewy Homemade Lemon Cookies Are a Must-Try

After testing batch after batch (we’re talking over 100 cookies!), I finally landed on this foolproof lemon sugar cookie recipe that’s buttery, soft, chewy, and exploding with citrusy goodness.

When I brought these to work, people were shocked they weren’t from a bakery. They’re that good.

Here’s what makes this recipe a keeper:

• Packed with fresh lemon zest and juice
• Made with simple pantry staples
• Beginner-friendly (no fancy equipment needed)
• Freezer-friendly—perfect for prepping ahead
• No crunchy disappointments—just tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies

Prep & Bake Time

• Prep: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 30–60 minutes
• Bake Time: 11–13 minutes
• Cool Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients for Soft Lemon Cookies

Cookie Dough:

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (plus more for rolling)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest (1 large lemon)
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

For Rolling:

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

How to Make Soft and Chewy Lemon Sugar Cookies

1. Mix the Dough

• In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar, and lemon zest until fluffy (2–3 min).
• Add egg, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix until combined (it may look slightly curdled—totally normal!).
• Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until no dry streaks remain. Don’t overmix!

2. Chill

• Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes. This helps create thick, chewy cookies.

3. Shape & Roll

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
• Scoop ~1.5 tbsp dough, roll into balls, and coat in sugar.

4. Bake

• Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 11–13 minutes until edges are set.
• Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

🔍 Nutrition (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 125
• Fat: 5g
• Sugar: 11g
• Carbs: 19g
• Protein: 1.5g

(Values are approximate)

Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Sugar Cookies

• Measure flour accurately – spoon it into your cup and level off. Too much = dry cookies.
• Use room temp butter – soft, not melted. Perfect texture starts here!
• Chill the dough – don’t skip this! It prevents spreading and keeps them chewy.
• Slightly underbake – take them out when centers look just underdone.

Flavor Variations

• Extra lemony: Add ½ tsp lemon extract with the vanilla.
• White chocolate twist: Mix in ½ cup white chocolate chips.
• Lemon glaze: Drizzle with lemon icing (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp lemon juice).
• Lemon lavender: Add 1 tsp dried culinary lavender for a floral touch.
• Gluten-free: Sub 1:1 gluten-free flour (like King Arthur’s Measure for Measure).

Storage Tips

• Room temp: Airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze baked cookies: Stack with parchment, freeze for up to 3 months.
• Freeze dough: Scoop into balls, freeze, then bake from frozen (add 1–2 mins).

What to Serve with Lemon Sugar Cookies

Pair these bright cookies with:

• A hot cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Fresh blueberries or raspberries
• A chilled glass of limoncello or sparkling lemonade

Lemon Cookie FAQ

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh is best! You’ll need the zest anyway for real lemon flavor.

Why did my cookies turn out hard?

You may have added too much flour or overbaked them. Always spoon and level your flour, and remove cookies when centers look slightly underdone.

Can I make mini or jumbo cookies?

Yes! Use a smaller scoop (1 tbsp) for mini cookies and bake ~9–10 min. For jumbo (2–3 tbsp), bake 13–15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these chewy homemade lemon cookies are a total crowd-pleaser. Once you try them, you’ll never reach for store-bought again!