Name: Soft Chewy Lemon Cookies: 5 Steps to Citrus Bliss
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1-2 lemons); 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons lemon extract (or ½ teaspoon lemon extract and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract for a more nuanced flavor); 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; ¾ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; ¼ cup granulated sugar, for rolling and garnishing

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Soft Chewy Lemon Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly combines sweetness with a refreshing citrus zing. These cookies have a soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Not only are they easy to make, but they also provide a burst of flavor that is perfect for any occasion, especially during the warm summer months. Imagine biting into a cookie that reminds you of sun-kissed lemons and warm, sunny days. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these delicious cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Soft Chewy Lemon Cookies

These cookies are not just any ordinary lemon cookies; they are the best chewy lemon cookies ever. With a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, they are sure to become your new favorite treat. Here’s why:

Bright, refreshing flavor from fresh lemon juice and zest
Soft, chewy texture that stays moist for days
Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
Perfect for summer gatherings or as a delightful snack
They make a fantastic gift for friends and family
Versatile enough to add your favorite toppings like icing

These cookies fit perfectly into a vegetarian diet and are classified as an American dessert, making them an ideal choice for everyone!

Ingredients for Soft Chewy Lemon Cookies

Gather these items:

12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1-2 lemons)
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
2 teaspoons lemon extract (or ½ teaspoon lemon extract and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract for a more nuanced flavor)
3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cornstarch
¾ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
¼ cup granulated sugar, for rolling and garnishing

How to Make Soft Chewy Lemon Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 12 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar. Cream together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the room-temperature large egg and the large egg yolk one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the 2 teaspoons of lemon extract until just combined.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and ¾ teaspoon of salt. Add the 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and whisk again.
Step 4: With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, mixing until just combined after each. Add the 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and mix until the dough just comes together.
Step 5: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Scoop rounded tablespoons of the chilled dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball generously in ¼ cup of granulated sugar.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Gently press down on each dough ball. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still appear slightly soft. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Soft Chewy Lemon Cookies: 5 Steps to Citrus Bliss - Soft Chewy Lemon Cookies - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Soft Chewy Lemon Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
Chilling the dough is crucial for the chewy texture.
Don’t overbake; the centers should remain soft.

Best Ways to Serve Soft Chewy Lemon Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own, but here are some serving ideas:

Pair with a refreshing glass of lemonade.
Serve with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet touch.
Drizzle with icing for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Soft Chewy Lemon Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week. For meal prep, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw and bake when ready!

Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Chewy Lemon Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Soft Chewy Lemon Cookies?

The key is to not overbake them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set, but the centers are still soft. This ensures the perfect chewy texture!

Can I make Soft Chewy Lemon Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use. Just roll, bake, and enjoy fresh cookies anytime!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Soft Chewy Lemon Cookies?

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overmixing the dough. Also, chilling the dough is essential for achieving that chewy texture!

Variations of Soft Chewy Lemon Cookies You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Add poppy seeds for a delightful crunch.
Incorporate white chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Try using lime instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making chocolate oatmeal bars for a delightful treat. If you’re interested in more dessert options, consider our mini cranberry cheesecakes for your next gathering.

For additional information on the health benefits of lemons, you can visit Healthline.