If you love the refreshing zing of lemons and the comforting sweetness of cookies, this recipe for Homemade Ultra Easy Lemon Cookies will become your go-to treat. They are soft yet slightly crisp at the edges, bursting with a fresh citrus aroma that instantly brightens your day.
The recipe is designed for simplicity—perfect for busy home bakers or beginners who want bakery-quality cookies without complicated steps. Using simple pantry ingredients and a few fresh lemons, these cookies can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. The result is a delightful balance of tangy lemon flavor and sweet buttery goodness, making them ideal for tea time, parties, or just a quick homemade dessert fix.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling, optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a little more lemon zest at this stage. If you prefer a slightly thicker cookie, refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes before shaping.
Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop the dough and roll it into balls. If desired, roll each ball lightly in powdered sugar for a pretty crinkle effect. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden while the centers remain soft.
Avoid overbaking, as the cookies will continue to set as they cool. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. These cookies also freeze beautifully—simply store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months, and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
The beauty of these Homemade Ultra Easy Lemon Cookies lies in their perfect harmony of flavors. The lemon zest adds a fragrant citrus punch, while the lemon juice infuses the dough with a bright tanginess that complements the buttery base.
The powdered sugar coating not only makes them visually appealing but also gives a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the lemon. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea, shared with friends, or made for a festive occasion, these cookies will impress without requiring complicated baking skills.
The recipe is also highly adaptable—you can add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness, mix in poppy seeds for a bakery-style twist, or drizzle with a light lemon glaze for more indulgence. Every bite delivers a burst of sunshine, making them a year-round favorite.