If you love the rich, buttery texture of pound cake and the bright, tangy flavor of lemons, then these Lemon Pound Cake Cookies are the perfect dessert for you! These cookies bring together the best of both worlds—soft, chewy centers with slightly crisp edges, all infused with a refreshing lemon flavor. Topped with a light dusting of sugar or a sweet lemon glaze, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients for Lemon Pound Cake Cookies
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
How to Make Lemon Pound Cake Cookies
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fully combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix, or the cookies may become dense.
6. Scoop & Bake
Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie) onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool & Glaze
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. If using the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, then drizzle over the cooled cookies.
Tips for the Best Lemon Pound Cake Cookies
Use Fresh Lemons – Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best citrus flavor. Avoid bottled juice if possible.
Don’t Overbake – The cookies should be soft in the center when removed from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.
Chill the Dough (Optional) – If you want extra thick and chewy cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Add More Lemon Flavor – If you love intense lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Storing:
- Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If glazed, store in a single layer or place parchment paper between layers.
Freezing:
- Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- To freeze unbaked dough, scoop dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake when ready.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy snack.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Pair with fresh berries for a refreshing dessert.
Conclusion
These Lemon Pound Cake Cookies are a delightful way to enjoy the classic flavors of lemon and butter in a bite-sized treat. With their soft, cake-like texture and bright citrus taste, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a drizzle of glaze, these cookies will bring a burst of sunshine to your day.
Give this recipe a try and let us know how you liked it! Did you add your own twist? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for similar results.
2. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan butter instead of regular butter to make these dairy-free.
3. How can I make them even softer?
For extra softness, add an extra egg yolk to the dough.
4. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
5. What can I use instead of a lemon glaze?
Try dusting the cookies with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant touch.
Print
Lemon Pound Cake Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Pound Cake Cookies are soft, buttery, and packed with bright citrus flavor. With crisp edges and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies bring the comforting richness of pound cake in a bite-sized treat. Topped with a light dusting of sugar or a sweet lemon glaze, they are perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix the Dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Scoop & Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool & Glaze: Let cookies cool before drizzling with the optional lemon glaze.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can make the cookies thicker.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to five days.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to three months in a sealed container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Lemon cookies, lemon pound cake cookies, soft cookies, easy lemon desserts, buttery cookies