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    Home » Cookies

    Lemon Cookie Recipe

    Published: Oct 16, 2025 by Vicky · 2 Comments · Post contains affiliate links

    375 shares
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    lemon cookie recipe pin

    I have always loved soft and chewy cookie recipes. There's nothing worse than baking fresh cookies only to have them turn hard after they cool. After a lot of trial and error, I finally figured out a Lemon Cookie Recipe that gives me soft, fluffy cookies every single time.

    Best of all, the cookies are made with a sugar substitute. They have just the right amount of lemon flavor from fresh lemons. These stevia cookies are simple to make and a big hit with my family.

    lemon cookie recipe pin

    If you love the lemon flavor of these cookies, then you must try these Strawberry and Blueberry Lemon Bars, which combine the flavor of lemon with fresh berries!

    Jump to:
    • Lemon Recipes
    • Why You'll Love Lemon Cookies
    • Ingredients for Cookies Made With SPLENDA®
    • Kitchen Tools For Baking Lemon Cookies
    • How to Make Lemon Cookie Recipe
    • Tips for Soft Sugar Cookies
    • FAQs For Cookies Made With Stevia
    • Easy Lemon Desserts
    • 📖 Recipe

    Lemon Recipes

    Lemon is one of those ingredients that can totally transform a dish. Its bright, zesty flavor works whether you're baking something sweet or whipping up a savory dinner. Here are a few of my favorite lemony recipes to try:

    • Lemon Bars
    • Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
    • Lemon Cool Whip Cookies
    • Lemon Bar Crescent Recipe

      Why You'll Love Lemon Cookies

      • Soft and Chewy: They stay soft for days. I've worked on this recipe so they have the perfect fluffy texture, so no hard, crunchy cookies.
      • Quick to Bake: These cookies bake up in about 10 minutes, so you can have a fresh batch ready quickly.
      • Better for you: I made them with SPLENDA® as a healthier swap for regular sugar, so you can enjoy your treat without all the extra sugar.
      • Perfectly Portable: They hold up really well, making them a great choice for packing in lunches or taking on a road trip, if you don't eat them all before leaving the house!

      Ingredients for Cookies Made With SPLENDA®

      • Unsalted Butter: Makes the cookies rich and tender.
      • SPLENDA® Low Calorie Sweetener for Baking - Keeps the cookies sweet while cutting down on added calories.
      • Large Egg: Helps bind all the ingredients together.
      • Lemon: We use both the juice and zest.
      • Almond Extract: Adds a subtle flavor that goes well with the lemon.
      • Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Make the cookies fluffy.
      • All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cookies their structure.

      Kitchen Tools For Baking Lemon Cookies

      To make these easy lemon cookies, you'll want a few go-to tools that make the process smoother. I've linked my favorite versions below. From the stand mixer that does all the heavy work to the cookie scoop that makes perfect cookies, these are the items I recommend.

      👉 Tap any image below to shop these helpful kitchen tools on Amazon!

      KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield KSM150PS, Blue VelvetKitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield KSM150PS, Blue VelvetCOOK WITH COLOR Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set - Nesting Bowls, 6 Pieces, RoseCOOK WITH COLOR Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set - Nesting Bowls, 6 Pieces, RoseFarberware Nonstick Bakeware, Nonstick Cookie Sheet / Baking Sheet - 10 Inch x 15 Inch, Rose Gold RedFarberware Nonstick Bakeware, Nonstick Cookie Sheet / Baking Sheet - 10 Inch x 15 Inch, Rose Gold RedCookie Scoops for Baking Set of 3, 18/8 Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scoop, 1 Tbsp/2 Tbsp/3 tablespoon Cookie Dough Scoop, Red/Black/Burgundy Non-slip Grip, for Cookie Cupcake Muffin Ice CreamCookie Scoops for Baking Set of 3, 18/8 Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scoop, 1 Tbsp/2 Tbsp/3 tablespoon Cookie Dough Scoop, Red/Black/Burgundy Non-slip Grip, for Cookie Cupcake Muffin Ice CreamGeesta 2/3/4-Tier Collapsible Cooling Rack with Adjustable 3 Setting Design Stackable Cooling Roasting Cooking for Cookies Baking - Copper Cooking UtensilsGeesta 2/3/4-Tier Collapsible Cooling Rack with Adjustable 3 Setting Design Stackable Cooling Roasting Cooking for Cookies Baking - Copper Cooking UtensilsNordic Ware Cups Bundt Measuring, Set of 6, Sea GlassNordic Ware Cups Bundt Measuring, Set of 6, Sea Glass

       

      How to Make Lemon Cookie Recipe

      1. Cream Butter and SPLENDA®: Beat the softened butter and SPLENDA® together in a stand mixer until light and fluffy.
      flour and sugar in stand mixer

      2. Mix in Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and almond extract and mix this on medium speed until everything is just combined.
      3. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking soda, and baking powder and mix just until it's blended.

      lemon cookie dough in stand mixer

      4. Scoop the Dough: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto a prepared cookie sheet. I like using a cookie scoop to get them all the same size, but a spoon works just fine. I was raised on thick Italian sugar cookies, so I tend to make these a bit thicker, which reminds me of my childhood.

      cookies on cookie sheet

      5. Bake the Cookies: You'll know they're done when the edges start to turn a little brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before eating.

       Lemon Cookies on baking rack

      Tips for Soft Sugar Cookies

      Tip 1: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Room temperature butter creams better with the sugar, which is key for a soft cookie.

      Tip 2: Use fresh lemon juice and zest. The flavor is so much better than the bottled kind.

      Tip 3: Don't overmix the dough once you add the flour, since it can make the cookies tough instead of soft.

      Tip 4: If your dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, which makes it easier to scoop.

       Lemon Cookies in stack

      FAQs For Cookies Made With Stevia

      Can I use regular sugar instead of SPLENDA®?

      Yep! Just swap the SPLENDA® for ¾ cup of regular granulated sugar. Everything else stays the same!

      How do I store lemon sugar cookies?

      You can store these in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.

      Can I add a lemon glaze to these easy lemon cookies?

      You certainly can. I like to use this glaze recipe from SPLENDA® with these cookies.

      Do I need to chill the dough?

      You do not have to chill the dough for this recipe.

      soft lemon cookies

      Easy Lemon Desserts

      If you're craving something zesty and a little bit sweet, lemon desserts are always a good idea. From creamy to chewy, these lemony treats bring some joy to any day.

      For a sweet-tart twist on a classic bar, try these Cranberry Lemon Bars. The cranberry adds just the right amount of zing. If you're in the mood for something a little more nostalgic, these Lemon Whoopie Pies are soft and filled with creamy lemon goodness.

      Or try this Lemon Meringue Pie. It's got a silky filling and a unique olive oil crust that's easy and delicious. These Lemon Mousse Filled Crepe Cups are perfect for a lighter option!

      📖 Recipe

      Lemon Cookie Recipe

      Vicky
      This Lemon Cookie Recipe makes cookies that are soft and fluffy with just the perfect hint of fresh lemon.
      5 from 3 votes
      Print Recipe Pin Recipe
      Prep Time 15 minutes mins
      Cook Time 13 minutes mins
      Total Time 28 minutes mins
      Course Dessert
      Cuisine American
      Servings 16
      Calories 101 kcal

      Video

      Ingredients
        

      • ½ cup softened unsalted butter
      • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons SPLENDA Low Calorie Sweetener for Baking
      • 1 egg
      • Juice and zest from 1 lemon approximately 3 tbs of juice
      • ½ teaspoon almond extract
      • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
      • ½ teaspoon baking powder
      • 1 ¼ cups of flour

      Instructions
       

      • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
      • Beat softened butter and SPLENDA® in a stand mixer until fluffy.
      • Add the rest of the ingredients to the mixer and mix on medium until they are combined.
      • Add the flour a little at a time on low speed until just blended.
      • Drop the dough by tablespoonful onto a greased cookie sheet.
      • Bake for 10-13 minutes at 350 degrees or until the edges start to turn a bit brown.

      Notes

      • Make sure your butter is softened (not melted). Room temperature butter creams better with sugar, which helps give you that soft, fluffy cookie texture.
      • Fresh lemon juice and zest make a big difference in flavor.
      • Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies a little tough.
        Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. I'm not a nutritionist-just someone who loves sharing recipes from my kitchen to yours. If you have specific dietary needs, be sure to double-check with your preferred nutrition calculator. 💛

      Nutrition

      Calories: 101kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 71mgPotassium: 14mgSugar: 2gVitamin A: 190IUCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.5mg
      Keyword lemon cookie recipe
      Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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      Comments

        5 from 3 votes (1 rating without comment)

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        Recipe Rating




      1. Natália says

        August 24, 2017 at 11:06 am

        5 stars
        How nice that you have perfected the lemon biscuit recipe to be soft and soft, the ones I tasted were so hard that I did not notice the taste because I could not chew it right, I'll make your recipe here to test.

        Reply
      2. Sapana V says

        August 03, 2017 at 11:56 am

        These lemon cookies look delicious.

        Reply
      Vicky from Mess for Less

      I'm Vicky, the founder of Mess For Less, which I started in 2011 to share easy, family-friendly recipes. With over a decade of experience as a home chef and recipe developer, I love creating meals that bring people together. I also design play and learning activities for kids, using my background as a former teacher with a Master’s degree in education. Learn more about me.

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