The Story & Intro
There’s something magical about the bright, sunny smell of Lemon Butter Cookies. Every time I bake them, I’m taken back to my childhood kitchen in Crete, where my grandmother would zest fresh lemons straight from our garden. The whole room would burst with citrus perfume, and I’d watch in awe as she mixed the simplest ingredients into treats that tasted like sunshine. These Lemon Butter Cookies bring that same happiness into my home today.
When I developed this recipe, I wanted it to be easy, cozy, and full of flavor the kind of cookie that melts on your tongue but still has that lively pop of lemon. If you’re like me and love fresh, bright desserts, these Lemon Butter Cookies will become a favorite. They’re soft, buttery, lightly crisp on the edges, and completely irresistible. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want a fresh pick-me-up, these cookies never disappoint.
One of the reasons I love Lemon Butter Cookies so much is because they feel like a little celebration in every bite. They’re the perfect mix of creamy butter and tangy lemon, and they remind me that simple ingredients can create the most joyful flavors. And when your kitchen fills with that sweet citrus aroma? Pure bliss.
As someone who grew up learning to cook from my grandmother, I’ve always believed food brings people together especially women who love to nurture and share warmth through homemade treats. These Lemon Butter Cookies carry that tradition forward. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers but delicious enough to impress anyone. And yes, the kitchen might get a little messy, but that’s part of the fun!
Bake a batch of these Lemon Butter Cookies and let your home fill with comfort, cheer, and sunshine straight from my Cretan kitchen to yours.
Short 100-Word Version of Your Story (as required)
Hi, I’m Marilyn, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. I grew up cooking beside my grandmother, learning how simple ingredients can create dishes full of love and flavor. These Lemon Butter Cookies remind me of home the smell of fresh lemons from our garden and the warmth of my grandmother’s kitchen. I love mixing classic recipes with a touch of creativity, and these cookies are exactly that. Light, buttery, and full of bright lemon flavor, they bring comfort and joy to anyone who tastes them. Cooking is about memories, and these cookies hold some of my favorite ones.
Why You’ll Love These Lemon Butter Cookies
Lemon butter cookies have a refreshing brightness that makes them perfect for any season. They’re buttery, soft, slightly crisp on the edges, and packed with the kind of lemon flavor that makes you instantly smile. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture comes from the creamy butter, while fresh lemon zest and juice add the perfect zippy kick.
These cookies stay soft for days, travel well, and make wonderful gifts. They’re also incredibly easy ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream the butter and sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create the classic tender texture of Lemon Butter Cookies.
2. Add the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice
Beat in the egg, fresh lemon zest, and lemon juice. This is where the cookies get their signature bright and refreshing flavor.
3. Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Chill the dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and enhances the lemon flavor.
5. Shape and bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently flatten them with your fingers or the bottom of a cup.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden.
6. Cool and finish
Let the cookies cool completely. If you’d like, dust them with powdered sugar for a beautiful, soft finish.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Butter Cookies
- Use fresh lemon zest it provides much stronger flavor than bottled juice.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough.
- For extra lemon punch, add ½ tsp lemon extract.
- Don’t overbake they should stay pale and soft.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them tender.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon Butter Cookies are incredibly versatile. Serve them with:
- Hot tea or iced tea
- A glass of cold milk
- Coffee for a morning treat
- Vanilla ice cream for a summery dessert
- Packed as a sweet homemade gift
These cookies also brighten up any dessert table and make a refreshing addition to holiday cookie platters.
Recipe Card 🍋🍪
⏳ Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Chill: 30 minutes
Bake: 10–12 minutes
Total: ~50 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cream butter + sugar.
- Add egg, zest, lemon juice.
- Add dry ingredients.
- Chill 30 minutes.
- Scoop, flatten, bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool and dust.
📝 Notes
- Don’t overbake they stay light in color.
- Add lemon extract for stronger flavor.
- Store airtight for softness.
📊 Nutrition (Approx. per cookie)
Calories: 120
Carbs: 15g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 6g
Sugar: 10g
Conclusion
Lemon Butter Cookies are one of those simple joys that brighten any day. They’re soft, buttery, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor the kind of cookie that disappears faster than you expect! Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies bring sunshine to your kitchen.
From my Cretan home to yours, I hope these cookies fill your home with warmth, sweetness, and lots of happy memories. Enjoy every bite!