Learn how to make the best lemon cookies! A perfect blend of tangy lemon and sweetness, these cookies are irresistibly soft and delicious.

There’s something so comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the kitchen. It’s a sign of good things to come, and how can you *not* be happy when you smell that smell?

Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that takes baking cookies to a new, zesty height: lemon cookies. The best you’ve ever had, and topped with a delicious glaze (if you want).

Each cookie is soft yet slightly crisp around the edges, creating a satisfying texture that’s absolutely irresistible. The secret? A well-balanced mixture of butter and sugar.

But what truly sets these cookies apart is the addition of fresh lemon juice and zest. These ingredients infuse the cookies with a bright, refreshing flavor that’s both invigorating and comforting.

For those who adore a glossy finish and an extra punch of sweetness, the optional glaze is a game-changer. The topping that complements the lemon flavor beautifully, adding a touch of elegance to these already divine treats.

Whether you’re a lemon lover or simply someone who appreciates a cookie that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, this recipe is bound to impress.

As I’m sure you can imagine, these are perfect for an Easter dessert. Check out our frosted lemon cookies, and lemon blueberry thumbprints too.

Here’s what you’re going to need to make these soft lemon cookies.

Ingredients

1 stick butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons lemon zest
2 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional Glaze

1/2 cup powdered sugar
3 – 4 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla

Tips and Thoughts for This Recipe

Make sure to place these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. These will last about a week to two weeks . . . the more they are exposed to air, the more moisture they lose. That means over time, they aren’t as soft. But they are still delicious!

You can also freeze these for up to two months. Wait to put the glaze on until you bring them out of the freezer and allow them to raise to room temperature (no microwave).

Get the printable recipe card below:

Lemon Cookies

Learn to bake the best lemon cookies: soft, tangy treats with a sweet glaze. A simple recipe that everyone will love.

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Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 30

Servings: cookies

Ingredients

1 stick butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons lemon zest
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional Glaze

1/2 cup powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar for about 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
Add sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest and mix until smooth.
In a medium bowl add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and whisk together.
Add flour to butter mixture and stir until the flour is just incorporated. Let batter sit for about 5 minutes so flour is absorbed. If the batter doesn’t hold it’s shape when scooped add a little more flour, 2 tablespoons at a time.
Scoop batter with cookie scoop or large spoon and roll ball in powder sugar, coating well. Place on the cookie sheet.
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes, then move cookies to cool on a rack.
Add some more powdered sugar if you like, or use optional glaze to drizzle on top of the cookie.