Jump to Recipe Print Recipe“You’re baking again?” my friend laughed, raising an eyebrow while I rummaged through my pantry. However, this time I was not just whipping up any old treat. I was gearing up to create the most delightful Soft & Chewy Lemon Pound Cake Cookies. The way the kitchen filled with a bright citrus scent was enough to prove I was onto something special. These cookies are not only easy to prep but also a real crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Imagine the bliss of enjoying a chewy cookie that captures the essence of a rich lemon pound cake! Whether it’s a sunny afternoon tea or a casual family gathering, these cookies will steal the spotlight and brighten up any occasion. Ready to dive into a refreshing baking adventure? Let’s get started! Why Are These Cookies So Special? Unforgettable Flavor: Each bite of these Soft & Chewy Lemon Pound Cake Cookies bursts with fresh citrus, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tangy that’s simply irresistible. Easy Baking: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these treats in no time. Perfect for when you’re short on time but craving something homemade! Versatile Delight: These cookies are ideal for any occasion—from family get-togethers to brunch with friends—skipping fast food has never been so deliciously easy! Storage Convenience: Made in batches and stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for days, ensuring you have a tasty treat ready whenever a craving strikes. Refreshingly Unique: If you love lemon flavor, don’t miss out on the chance to explore other citrus treats, like these delectable Lemon Raspberry Cookies or Blueberry Cookies Soft. Let the zest of lemon elevate your cookie game and enjoy a refreshing twist on a classic! Lemon Pound Cake Cookies Ingredients For the Cookie Dough • All-Purpose Flour – Essential base for structure that helps create a soft, chewy texture. • Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise and stay airy; it balances the lemon juice’s acidity. • Baking Soda – Works alongside baking powder to achieve that optimal cookie texture. • Salt – Brings out the flavors and enhances the overall sweetness. • Unsalted Butter – Adds richness; ensure it’s softened to create that tender crumb. • Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness, perfectly balancing the tartness of the lemon. • Eggs – Key for binding ingredients and maintaining moisture, shaping your cookies beautifully. • Lemon Zest – Infuses vibrant citrus notes; remember to use only the yellow peel to avoid bitterness. • Lemon Juice – Boosts that tangy punch; key to making these Lemon Pound Cake Cookies burst with flavor. • Vanilla Extract – Adds depth to the flavor, beautifully complementing the citrus notes. • Sour Cream – Keeps the cookies moist and chewy; can substitute Greek yogurt for a similar effect. For the Glaze (Optional) • Powdered Sugar – Provides a sweet touch and glossy finish to elevate your cookies. • Lemon Juice – Intensifies the glaze’s flavor, adding an extra zesty kick. • Milk – Helps achieve the right consistency for a smooth drizzle over your cookies. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lemon Pound Cake Cookies Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin your baking adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring easy cookie removal later. This initial step is crucial for achieving that perfect soft and chewy texture in your Lemon Pound Cake Cookies. Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until fully blended, creating a uniform mixture. This helps to aerate the flour, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully and have a delightful, airy crumb texture. Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Watching the color change to a pale yellow is a sure sign that your Lemon Pound Cake Cookie base will be rich and delicious. Step 4: Add Eggs Introduce the eggs into your fluffy butter and sugar mixture, one at a time. Mix well after each addition until fully incorporated. This step adds moisture and structure to your cookies, ensuring they hold their delightful shape while baking. Step 5: Mix in the Citrus and Vanilla Next, add the vibrant lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, and fragrant vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix everything until just combined, letting the citrus aroma fill your kitchen. This delightful blend adds the signature flavor that makes these Lemon Pound Cake Cookies so irresistible. Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into your lemony batter. Using a spatula, gently fold until just combined, being careful not to overmix. This step is essential for keeping your cookies tender and chewy, avoiding a tough texture in your Lemon Pound Cake Cookies. Step 7: Stir in Sour Cream Gently fold in the sour cream, ensuring a smooth and creamy dough. The sour cream adds moisture, which keeps your cookies soft and chewy. At this point, the batter should appear thick yet pliable, ready for shaping into delightful cookie rounds. Step 8: Scoop the Dough Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out rounded balls of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread while baking, resulting in the ideal soft and chewy Lemon Pound Cake Cookies. Step 9: Bake to Perfection Place the cookie-laden baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for lightly golden edges, while the centers should appear set but still soft. This is the perfect baking time to achieve that signature chewy texture in your cookies. Step 10: Cool and Transfer Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes. This slight cooling will help them firm up. Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their soft, delightful texture. Step 11: Prepare the Optional Glaze For an extra treat, prepare the optional glaze by mixing powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Once your cookies are completely cool, drizzle this zesty glaze over the tops for an added layer of sweet lemony goodness, perfect for your Lemon Pound Cake Cookies. How to Store and Freeze Lemon Pound Cake Cookies Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days for optimal freshness. Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, Lemon Pound Cake Cookies can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. Make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent drying out. Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours or warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked taste! Expert Tips for Lemon Pound Cake Cookies Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Start with softened butter and eggs at room temperature for a creamy texture that helps your cookies rise beautifully. Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined to maintain softness in your Lemon Pound Cake Cookies. Correct Flour Measurement: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level off to avoid dense cookies; this small step can make a significant difference. Chill the Dough if Necessary: If your cookie dough is too soft and your cookies are spreading too much in the oven, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Customize Your Glaze: Adjust the glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk according to your preference for a thicker or thinner drizzle over your cookies. Lemon Pound Cake Cookies Variations Explore exciting ways to customize your Lemon Pound Cake Cookies and create your own delightful twist! Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a gluten-free treat that’s just as soft and chewy. Lighter Lemon Flavor: Reduce lemon zest and juice by half for a delicate taste that won’t overwhelm the palate. Citrus Medley: Add a splash of orange or lime juice along with the lemon for a vibrant blend of citrus flavors! Herbal Infusion: Chop fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme and fold them into the dough; they complement the lemon beautifully. Chocolate Drizzle: After glazing, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cookies for a deliciously rich contrast to the citrus. Make Ahead: Freeze cookie dough balls before baking; bake directly from the freezer, adjusting the time to ensure perfect cookies every time. Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped almonds or walnuts to introduce a delightful crunch and earthy flavor. Zesty Berry Blast: Toss in some dried cranberries or blueberries, or serve alongside these delightful Blueberry Cookies Soft for a fruity combination that brightens your dessert tray. With these variations, you can create your own signature lemon treats that will have your family and friends begging for more! Make Ahead Options These Soft & Chewy Lemon Pound Cake Cookies are fantastic for those busy weeknights, allowing you to prep in advance for delightful desserts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours ahead; simply cover it tightly and refrigerate to maintain moisture and flavor. If you prefer, you can also freeze the shaped dough balls; they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. On baking day, just pop them straight from the freezer into the oven, adding a couple of minutes to your bake time. For the freshest taste, drizzle the optional glaze right before serving, ensuring your cookies taste just as delightful as when they were baked! What to Serve with Soft & Chewy Lemon Pound Cake Cookies Indulging in Soft & Chewy Lemon Pound Cake Cookies opens up a world of delicious pairings that can elevate your dessert experience! Coffee Bliss: The rich, aromatic notes of a freshly brewed cup of coffee beautifully complement the zesty sweetness of lemon, creating a harmonious balance. Classic Tea: A warm cup of Earl Grey or green tea adds a soothing touch, perfect for an afternoon break—imagine the comforting flavors mingling with each cookie bite. Fruit Salad Medley: A refreshing fruit salad with berries and citrus not only enhances the vibrant lemon flavor but also provides a delightful contrast in texture. Creamy Ice Cream: Pair your cookies with a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet for a delightful combination of chewy and creamy—imagine the refreshing coolness melting in your mouth! Lemonade Fizz: An ice-cold glass of sparkling lemonade brings out the citrus notes while quenching your thirst, making it a refreshing companion to your cookies. Chocolate Ganache Dip: For a decadent twist, serve a rich chocolate ganache for dipping. The combination of lemon and chocolate creates a sublime flavor explosion! Cheese Board Delight: Bold cheeses like goat cheese or sharp cheddar on a cheese board provide a delightful savory contrast, making each bite of cookie even more special. Homemade Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy texture. It can enhance the cookie experience when served on the side. Nut-Infused Cake: A slice of almond or hazelnut cake alongside your cookies can bring a delightful nutty flavor that complements the citrus notes beautifully. Fruity Wine Spritzer: A light, fruity wine spritzer serves as a refreshing drink, allowing the flavors of both the cookies and beverage to shine through together. Lemon Pound Cake Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe lemons for the cookies? Absolutely! Look for lemons that are heavy for their size and have a vibrant yellow color. Avoid lemons with dark spots or those that feel overly soft, as these may be overripe. Fresh lemons will provide the zesty flavor that makes these Lemon Pound Cake Cookies truly shine. What is the best way to store leftover cookies? You can store your Lemon Pound Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to a week. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out! Can I freeze these cookies for later? Yes, you can! To freeze your Lemon Pound Cake Cookies, first, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag, and they will remain good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a quick treat! Why are my cookies too dense or tough? Very good question! If your cookies turn out dense, it might be due to overmixing the dough or packing too much flour into your measuring cup. Be sure to spoon and level your flour properly and mix just until combined for that soft and chewy texture we’re after with these Lemon Pound Cake Cookies. Can I use dairy-free substitutes in this recipe? Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter and using a non-dairy sour cream alternative. These swaps will still give you that wonderful softness and the same delightful lemon flavor without compromising the integrity of these cookies. Are these cookies safe for pets? It’s important to note that while Lemon Pound Cake Cookies are a delicious treat for humans, they should not be shared with pets. The lemon juice and zest, along with excess sugar, can be harmful to dogs and other animals. Always keep your furry friends away from human treats for their safety! Lemon Pound Cake Cookies: Soft, Chewy Citrus Bliss No ratings yet Delight in these Lemon Pound Cake Cookies, a soft and chewy treat bursting with citrus flavor, perfect for any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 32 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Dough2 cups All-Purpose Flour1 teaspoon Baking Powder1 teaspoon Baking Soda1/2 teaspoon Salt1 cup Unsalted Butter softened1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar2 large Eggs2 tablespoons Lemon Zest use only the yellow peel1/4 cup Lemon Juice1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract1/2 cup Sour Cream can substitute Greek yogurtFor the Glaze (Optional)1 cup Powdered Sugar2 tablespoons Lemon Juice1 tablespoon Milk Equipment Mixing BowlElectric MixerBaking SheetParchment PaperSpatulaCookie Scoop Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Pound Cake CookiesPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until just combined.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold until just combined.Gently fold in the sour cream until smooth.Scoop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.Cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth, then drizzle over cooled cookies. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesStore cookies in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
