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Close-up view of soft lemon cookies, one with a bite out of it.

Soft Lemon Cookies

Are you on the search for the best soft lemon cookies? These cookies are incredibly soft and chewy, with the perfect amount of lemon zing! The dough is rolled in confectioners' sugar for a pretty crinkled top and a little extra sweetness.
4.59 from 34 votes
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chewy Cookies, Lemon Cookies, Lemon Desserts
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Makes: 20 cookies
Author: Sues

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup + 3 Tbsp granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 3 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2-3 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
  • cup confectioners' sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpats.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, cream together butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes.
  • Add egg, egg yolk, lemon juice, and lemon zest and mix until just combined.
  • In a separate large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Pour dry ingredients into wet mixture and mix until just combined, taking care not to over-mix. Fold in yellow food coloring until well combined, if desired.
  • Place remaining 3 Tbsp granulated sugar in a small bowl and place confectioners’ sugar in a separate small bowl. Using about 2 tablespoons of dough at a time, roll dough into balls. Roll each ball into granulated sugar, followed by confectioners’ sugar. Place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake cookies for 15-17 minutes, until set. They should still be soft. Let cookies cool in pan for a couple minutes before moving to rack to cool completely.
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