Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe

Name: Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 oz cream cheese, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 tsp lemon zest; 2¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Quick Answer

Cream ½ cup butter + 2 oz cream cheese + ¾ cup sugar. Add 1 egg, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tsp lemon zest. Mix in 2¼ cups flour + baking powder + salt. Chill 30 min. Roll in powdered sugar. Bake 350°F 10-12 min. Makes 24 cookies.

By Sarah Mitchell • June 15, 2026

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 12 min

Servings: 24

Difficulty: Easy

cookieslemonsoft cookiesbakingdessertcream cheese

Pin This Recipe

These soft and chewy lemon cookies are bursting with bright citrus flavor — tender in the middle, slightly crisp around the edges, and coated in a crackly powdered sugar shell. They use both lemon zest and lemon juice for maximum lemon punch, plus a touch of cream cheese in the dough for that signature soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

About This Recipe

"Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies" is a Desserts & Sweets recipe that brings unsalted butter, softened, cream cheese, softened, granulated sugar, large egg and fresh lemon juice together into a flavorful, well-balanced dish. Rated Easy and ready in about 27 minutes, this recipe fits easily into a busy schedule. It serves 24 and works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. The American inspiration behind this dish balances classic techniques with clean, vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp lemon zest
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

1
Cream butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
2
Beat in egg, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
3
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
4
Refrigerate dough 30 minutes (or until firm enough to roll).
5
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop 1-inch balls and roll generously in powdered sugar.
6
Place 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7
Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are just set but centers still look slightly underdone.
8
Cool on the baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Expert Tips

For the best result, use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. Unsalted butter, softened is the heart of this dish, so choose it with care. Read the recipe through before you start and prep all ingredients in advance (mise en place) so the cooking process is smooth. Baking sheet and mixing bowl work especially well for this preparation. Because the recipe is vegetarian, it fits easily into balanced eating plans. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid at the end to make the flavors pop.

What To Serve With This

"Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies" is a versatile Desserts & Sweets dish that pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, buttered green beans, roasted potatoes and classic American sides. Choose at least one fresh and one hearty side to create a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

Soft & Chewy Lemon Cookies stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating before sealing the container. Reheat gently until warmed through, adding a small splash of liquid if needed to restore the original texture.