Lemon cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a classic homemade cookie or something that’s easy to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand, the Old Fashioned Lemon Cookies Recipe is the answer. These cookies are soft, chewy, and infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, giving them a burst of citrus flavor. Plus, they can be made with or without a glaze, making them versatile for any preference.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making these scrumptious cookies, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions, to helpful tips and frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, you’ll find this guide to be both informative and easy to follow.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Lemon Cookies

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need. This recipe is fairly simple, with ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need for a batch of 12 delicious cookies:

For the Dough:

• 1 stick unsalted butter (or ½ cup), softened
• ½ cup white granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• Juice from half a fresh lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for added richness)
• 2 cups Bisquick™ or homemade baking mix
• Zest of 1 lemon (for a zesty punch of flavor)

For the Lemon Sugar Coating (optional, for extra sweetness):

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• ½ cup powdered sugar (optional)

Alternative for Homemade Baking Mix (if you don’t have Bisquick™):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup vegetable shortening (or ¼ cup butter)

This combination of ingredients will yield cookies that are perfectly chewy, citrusy, and utterly delicious.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Old-Fashioned Lemon Cookies

Here’s how to bring these ingredients together to create the perfect batch of Old-Fashioned Lemon Cookies.

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy removal of cookies.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Stir in the lemon juice and softened cream cheese. Mix until smooth. You should see a creamy consistency develop.
5. Add the baking mix (Bisquick™ or homemade baking mix) to the wet ingredients. Stir until the dough comes together. Do not overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.
6. Zest one lemon and fold the zest into the dough. This will give your cookies a beautiful burst of lemon flavor.

Step 2: Shaping and Baking the Cookies

1. Scoop out the dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. Place the dough on the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
2. If you prefer a uniform shape, press the dough down slightly with the back of a spoon or the flat bottom of a glass. This will help the cookies bake evenly.
3. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
4. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Optional Lemon Sugar Coating

If you want to take your cookies to the next level, add a lemon glaze for a shiny finish:

1. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
2. Drizzle or brush the glaze over the cooled cookies. The glaze adds a subtle sweetness and extra lemon flavor, making the cookies even more irresistible.

Nutritional Facts for Old-Fashioned Lemon Cookies

To help you keep track of your nutritional intake, here is an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values per cookie (based on 12 cookies):

These cookies are a perfect treat if you’re craving something sweet without going overboard on calories. The cream cheese and butter make them indulgent, but they’re not too rich.

Reviews and Community Praise

This Old Fashioned Lemon Cookies Recipe has been well-loved by many bakers. Here are a few snippets from community reviews:

• Julie C. says: “These cookies are amazing! The lemon flavor is just the right balance of tart and sweet. I didn’t even add the glaze, and they were still delicious.”
• Tina G. shares: “I made these for my family and they vanished within an hour. The texture is perfect—chewy, not too soft, and the lemon zest gives them a wonderful freshness.”
• Paul M. comments: “I love how easy these are to make. I used homemade baking mix and added a little extra lemon juice. The cookies turned out great!”

Tips and Praise for Perfect Lemon Cookies

Here are a few expert tips to ensure your Old-Fashioned Lemon Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Let your butter and cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures the dough comes together smoothly.
• Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling the dough for 15 minutes before baking helps the cookies retain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much.
• Perfecting the glaze: If you’re using the glaze, be sure to apply it only after the cookies have completely cooled to avoid it melting into the cookie.
• Baking tips: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If the edges are golden but the centers still look soft, they’re done. Let them cool on the baking sheet to finish cooking from residual heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do you store Old-Fashioned Lemon Cookies?

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I use a different type of baking mix?

Yes, you can use a homemade baking mix or a store-bought substitute like Jiffy or another brand. Just make sure the proportions are the same for the recipe to turn out correctly.

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice?

If you don’t have fresh lemons, lemon extract can work in a pinch. However, it has a stronger flavor, so use it sparingly. Start with a teaspoon and adjust based on your preference.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Old-Fashioned Lemon Cookies, substitute the Bisquick™ or all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the baking mix you choose is specifically designed for gluten-free baking.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. After forming the dough balls, freeze them on a baking sheet and then transfer them to an airtight container. When ready to bake, place them directly on a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion: 

Old Fashioned Lemon Cookies are a classic treat that combines the best of sweetness and citrus zest in one bite. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, a family gathering, or just as a simple weeknight dessert, these cookies are sure to impress. Their chewy texture, refreshing lemon flavor, and simplicity make them a beloved recipe for both beginner and experienced bakers.

Not only are they easy to make, but they also offer plenty of room for variation. You can add a glaze for extra sweetness, experiment with different types of citrus zest, or even try adding a little bit of lemon extract for a more intense flavor. Either way, you’ll have a batch of cookies that everyone will enjoy.