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Veena Azmanov

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Lemon Butter Cookies - Zesty Lemon Cookies Recipe

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Lemon Butter Cookies - Zesty Lemon Cookies Recipe

A butter cookie that melts in the mouth with the rich flavor of fresh lemon zest and juice. This simple, easy and effortless recipe for lemon butter cookies is as easy as a cookie recipe can get. Takes no special skills, techniques or tools and gets done in less than half an hour.

A Pinterest optimized image for lemon butter cookies made with soft butter, powder sugar and fresh lemon juice.
Lemon Butter Cookies aka Zesty Lemon Cookies Recipe | Lemon Cookie Recipe

There was a time when I would frown at the thought of lemon in my cookies. I do love lemon and I can eat lemon curd from a jar with a spoon. And yet, somehow the idea of cookies and lemon flavor did not go well until one day I tasted these. I had them in Amsterdam and they were served with a Lemon Mousse! I know!! Not really what I would serve with my lemon mousse but I must admit it did go well together. That day, I decided I would make lemon cookies. I tried a few good recipes over the years but there is something about my butter cookies that just go so well with the lemon flavor. You have to try it to know what I mean.

I honestly didn't' know what better to name them than simply to call them what I know - lemon butter cookies. Because they are a variation of my butter cookies.  So, I hope you like the name and I do hope you try these delicious cookies.

Image showing the inside texture of the soft lemon cookies made with a butter-based cookie dough and fresh lemon zest for that ultimate zing.
Lemon Butter Cookies aka Zesty Lemon Cookies Recipe | Lemon Cookie Recipe

Let's talk ingredients and substitutes (Save/Pin)

  • Butter - well yes, since this is a butter-based cookie - it does need a good quality butter and one that will melt in your mouth. I highly recommend you use firm room temperature but not soft room temperature butter as this will affect how the cookie spreads out (see Tip Thursday -how butter affects cookie baking)
  • Powder sugar - I love the texture that powder sugar brings to this cookie. You can use regular sugar but the cookies will spread more and it will not be the same cookie.
  • Semolina - this adds a little of that bite and body to the cookie. It gives it that crumble in the mouthfeel. If you don't have semolina you can use cornstarch aka cornflour instead.
  • Egg yolk - sounds like a little but that's all you need. It's just the right amount to prevent it from spreading. If you must substitute the egg you can try adding two tablespoons of greek yogurt instead.
  • Lemon - since it's a cookie we can only add that much of liquid so the zest and extract do go a long way in adding flavor.
  • Food color - oh you can totally omit it but these are lemon cookies which we associate with the color yellow - unfortunately no amount of lemon juice is going to give you that so it's a drop of yellow food color or white lemon butter cookies. You choose. I choose to add just a drop.
Out of the oven on a baking tray - lemon butter cookies made with a butter cookie dough and fresh lemon zest
Lemon Butter Cookies aka Zesty Lemon Cookies Recipe | Lemon Cookie Recipe

Useful Tips and Tools

  • I'm not a slave to mixers. And yet, when you need some good creaming I have to insist that you use the K-Mix or Kitchen Aid.
  • A good baking tray is always important. Try using a light colored baking tray. Another option is to line the baking tray with parchment paper.
  • If you aren't going to fill or decorate these cookies a regular rolling pin will work just fine. And yet, a cookie rolling pin has the side spacers that will also help you with rolling. So all your cookies are leveled and bake evenly.
  • Also, it is really important to cool cookies completely on all sides as soon as they come out of the oven. So take them off the baking tray to prevent them from cooking further and place them on an cooking rack so they air circulates on all sides. This prevents steam from going back into the cookie thus keeping them crispy not soggy.
  • Always bake cookies on the center rack of your oven. If you have more than one tray simply bake them one at a time. You can bake two trays at the same time, and yet this can lead to some of the cookies in the bottom tray spreading too much. Also, you can rotate the trays during the baking. This is helpful with some cookies.
  • Most cookies usually bake between 10 to 12 minutes. It took me about 10 minutes. Since cookies bake quickly they can also get over-baked. This is due to our tendency to get distracted at the last minute. Hence, my solution is a kitchen timer that is always set to 10 minutes. I turn it on as soon as I place the cookies in the oven. This has saved me many cookies since my kids always keep me busy.
Lemon butter cookies layers on the table. Made with a butter cookie dough and fresh lemons perfect for this summer months.
Lemon Butter Cookies aka Zesty Lemon Cookies Recipe | Lemon Cookie Recipe

How to Make Lemon Butter Cookies - Zesty Lemon Cookies (Save/Pin)

Prepare

  • Combine together the flour, semolina, baking powder, and salt.
  • Set aside.
Progress picture one - showing creaming of the butter and powder sugar for these lemon butter cookies
Lemon Butter Cookies aka Zesty Lemon Cookies Recipe | Lemon Cookie Recipe

Prepare Cookie dough

  • Lightly cream together butter and powdered sugar.
  • Add the egg yolk, lemon juice, zest, and food color if using - combine well.
  • Gently fold in the flour mixture.
  • Lastly, add the lemon extract.
  • Gather into a ball, wrap in a plastic wrap.
  • Chill dough for 15 to 20 minutes until firm.
Progress pictures two - cream butter and sugar mixture with an egg yolk added for these simple easy and effortless recipe for lemon butter cookies
Lemon Butter Cookies aka Zesty Lemon Cookies Recipe | Lemon Cookie Recipe

Make balls and coat cookies

  • Preheat the oven to 180 C / 356 F.
  • Roll small portions of chilled dough into balls with your hands.
  • Roll into powdered sugar.
  • Place on a cookie tray.
Progress picture 3 - the last of the flour being added to the bowl of lemon cookie dough for these lemon butter cookies
Lemon Butter Cookies aka Zesty Lemon Cookies Recipe | Lemon Cookie Recipe

Bake

  • Bake in a preheated oven on the middle shelf.
  • Depending on the size of your cookies and the oven they take - 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Mine took 8 minutes - watch the sides - a slight color on the sides is all it needs.
  • Cool on a wire rack before you store them in a cookie jar.
Progress pictures 4 - ball of lemon cookie dough rolled in powder sugar and place on a baking tray all ready for baking to make perfect lemon butter cookies
Lemon Butter Cookies aka Zesty Lemon Cookies Recipe | Lemon Cookie Recipe

Storage

  • These will stay good for about 2 weeks but.
  • Taste their best in the first week of baking.
  • The dough freezes beautifully for up to six months.
  • The cookies keep well frozen too!

Frequently asked questions

How long will these Lemon Crinkle Cookies Keep?

These lemon cookies will keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. You can freeze the dough for up to a month or freeze the cookies for up to three months.

How do you fix cookies that spread too much? How to prevent cookies from spreading?

These will spread a bit but should not spread too much.
Too much butter or sugar in the recipe can lead to cookies spreading.
Too much baking powder or baking soda can also make cookies spread too much.
Also, chill the cookie dough before rolling the cookies.
Place cookies on a cold, not hot baking pan. 
And make sure the oven is at the right temperature. 

How long should you chill the dough before baking?

I usually chill my cookies for about 15 to 30 minutes. It is always a good practice to refrigerate cookies while the oven is preheating. Chilling cookie dough helps solidify the butter in the cookies. This helps when baking by preventing them from spreading since chilled dough takes longer to melt compared to room temperature fat. 

Why did my lemon crinkle cookies spread too much?

Always make sure the oven is preheated well before adding the cookies. A cold oven will result in over-spread cookies. If you live in a warm place it's best to chill the cookies on the tray before baking this will prevent them from spreading too much.

Is it ok to chill cookie dough overnight? Do I have to make the cookies immediately?

These lemon cookies have a good shelf life as a dough as well as cookies.
The dough, if wrapped well, can usually stay in the fridge for 5 to 6 days before rolling and baking.
And you can even cover the cookies and place them on a parchment-lined tray, wrapped well with cling wrap, for about 3 to 4 days.
In addition, sugar cookies dough can be frozen for a month or more if covered well.
Hence, it's a great dough to have on hand in the freezer during the busy festive season.

Can I make these Eggless Crinkle Cookies?

I have not tried making these eggless but I do have an Almond Crinkle cookies which are eggless I highly recommend using that recipe and adding 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest.

Can I omit the lemon and add chocolate to make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies?

Actually, I do have a wonderful ginger chocolate crinkle cookies. You can omit the ginger if you want but the chocolate in that is wonderful.

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A Pinterest Optimized image for Lemon Butter cookie aka lemon cookie recipe made with a butter-based cookie dough and lemon zest for that ultimate zing.
Lemon Butter Cookies aka Zesty Lemon Cookies Recipe | Lemon Cookie Recipe
A butter cookie that melts in the mouth with the flavor of rich lemon from the zest and juice of fresh lemons. This simple, easy and effortless recipe for lemon butter cookies is as easy as a cookie recipe can get. Takes no special skills, techniques or tools and gets done in less than half hour including 10 minutes of resting.

Lemon Butter Cookies aka Zesty Lemon Cookie Recipe

Author: Veena Azmanov
5 from 15 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Calories: 133kcal
Adjust Servings Here: 24 cookies

Description

A butter cookie that melts in the mouth with the rich flavor of fresh lemon zest and juice. This simple, easy and effortless recipe for lemon butter cookies is as easy as a cookie recipe can get. Takes no special skills, techniques or tools and gets done in less than half an hour.
ADJUST SERVINGS HERE - 24 cookies

Ingredients

  • 228 grams (8.04 oz) Unsalted butter (2 sticks)
  • 125 grams (1.04 cups) Powdered sugar
  • 220 grams (1.76 cups) All-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp (0.25 tsp) Baking powder
  • 30 grams (0.18 cups) Semolina
  • 1 (1 ) Egg yolk (large)
  • 1 tbsp (0.5 floz) Lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) Lemon zest
  • 1/4 tsp (0.25 tsp) Salt
  • 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) Lemon extract
  • 1 drop (1 drop) Yellow food color (optional)
  • 30 grams (0.25 cups) Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions

Prepare

  • Combine together the flour, semolina, baking powder, and salt.
  • Set aside.

Prepare cookie dough

  • Lightly cream together butter and powdered sugar.
  • Add the egg yolk, lemon juice, zest, and food color if using - combine well.
  • Gently fold in the flour mixture.
  • Lastly, add the lemon extract.
  • Gather into a ball, wrap in a plastic wrap.
  • Chill dough for 15 to 20 minutes until firm.

Make balls and coat cookies

  • Preheat the oven to 180 C / 356 F.
  • Roll small portions of chilled dough into balls with your hands.
  • Roll into powdered sugar.
  • Place on a cookie tray.

Bake

  • Bake in a preheated oven on the middle shelf.
  • Depending on the size of your cookies and the oven they take - 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Mine took 8 minutes - watch the sides - a slight color on the sides is all it needs.
  • Cool on a wire rack before you store them in a cookie jar.

Storage

  • These will stay good for about 2 weeks.
  • But they taste their best in the first week of baking.
  • The dough freezes beautifully for up to six months.
  • The cookies keep well frozen too!

Recipe Notes

 

Featured Recipe below - Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Spatula
Measuring Spoons
Meas Cups and Spoons
Baking Tray
Oven
Nutrition Information
Calories: 133kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 26mgPotassium: 19mgFiber: 0gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.5mg

The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you

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Author - Veena Azmanov

Veena Azmanov

Veena is the author of three blogs - Veena Azmanov, Cake Decorating Tutorials, and East Indian Recipes.
She writes about cooking, baking, desserts, and cake decorating. Being a professional cake decorator and food blogger for over ten years she has been featured in many online magazines and publications around the world. On her blogs, you will find delicious, easy and practical recipes often with instructional videos and tutorials for the home cook.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Bee

    The picture alone is making my mouth water. They look so delicious !

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Bee.

      Reply

  2. Stephanie Simmons

    These cookies remind me of the chocolate crinkle cookies! These are perfect for summer

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks, Stephanie. Yes, they do have that same texture on the outside.

      Reply

  3. Sara

    These looks fantastic. I love lemon flavors in dessert, and cookies are always perfect for summer entertaining!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely, Sara. Love lemon anything really.

      Reply

  4. Julie

    Lemon is one of my favorite flavors - equally perfect in summer and winter. Love good soft cookies like these!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Julie. Me too love soft cookies

      Reply

  5. Jessica (swanky recipes)

    I have a favorite lemon sugar cookie recipe that I maoe a few times a year. I can't tell you how many times I wanted a butter cookie and this one hits the spot!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Jessica. I love butter cookies and this one with lemon tend to just hit the spot for me too.

      Reply

  6. Amanda

    These cookies look incredible. I love lemon desserts and this one is on the top of my to make list. It looks so buttery and soft. I can easily see myself having about a dozen just to myself.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Amanda. I know what you mean. Love lemon desserts myself. They are soft and buttery

      Reply

  7. Femi. O

    I'm one of those that loves lemon on almost everything! So a lemon butter cookie is right up my alley! They look absolutely delicious and so easy to make!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks Femi. Yes, I love lemon everything. These just melt in the mouth.

      Reply

  8. prasanna hede

    I just love these kind of simple and amazingly flavorful cookies.These would be so delicious with my tea.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Prasanna. I know what you mean. I love such cookies too.

      Reply

  9. Meredith

    Lemon flavored treats are a favorite in our house! I know we would all enjoy these lemon butter cookies!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely Meredith. I love lemon too.

      Reply

  10. Kitty

    These would be perfect as an afternoon summer treat. I'd wash them down with iced tea or lemonade on the porch!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Kitty. Absolutely - perfect flavor for summer.

      Reply

  11. Anna

    These lemon cookies look so delicious! I would love to have a couple right now with my cuppa! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Anna. I'm sure you would enjoy them.

      Reply

  12. Michele

    These lemon cookies had just the right texture... crunchy on the outside, but still tender and wonderful on the inside!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Michele. Yes, they are just the right texture of soft on the inside.

      Reply

  13. Kelli Kerkman

    These look great! And super straightforward to make... will definitely add these to my to-make list!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks Kelli. Yes, they are super easy and simple.

      Reply

  14. Maggie

    Veena Azmanov, thank you ever so for you post.Much thanks again.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Maggie.

      Reply

  15. Kate

    Mmmm! Yum! I love lemon cookies. I have never made them myself, though. I can't wait to try your recipe!What a great summery cookie.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks Kate. You must try, they are super simple.

      Reply

  16. Natalie

    These cookies are perfect for nibbling on a terrace this summer with a cup of cold milk. I bet my kiddo will love them. Lemon makes any dessert so refreshing and light. Delicious!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely Natalie. I love cookies and milk. I bet the kids will love it too.

      Reply

  17. Claudia Lamascolo

    Lemon is the favorite in our house in everything no matter what I cook or bake. Everyone loves lemon cookies and butter cookies sound so decadent. I think I need to surprise my husband with these tonight. He will be surprised I have always made Italian lemon drop cookies but these sound fabulous!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Aww I hope you try them Claudi. These just melt in the mouth. I'm sure he will love them.

      Reply

  18. Tara

    Such beautiful cookies! I love those crinkles. Perfect for pairing with afternoon tea.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Tara. Me too love those crinkles on the top.

      Reply

  19. Demeter

    I love lemon desserts, especially for spring! This cookie is like a little ray of sunshine!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Me too Demeter. Love lemon cookies too!

      Reply

  20. Wajeeha

    I've never had lemon cookies before! These sound and look super delicious, and pretty simple to make too! 🙂

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Wajeeha. I do hope you try them - super delish.

      Reply

  21. danielle wolter

    I absolutely love any kind of lemon desserts. These sound amazing!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Me too Danielle. I love lemon desserts

      Reply