17 Must Try Lemon Cookie Recipes for Citrus Lovers

If you cannot get enough of that sweet and tangy citrus flavor, this collection of 17 lemon cookie recipes is about to make your day. From soft and chewy favorites to buttery shortbread and bakery style treats, these cookies deliver bright lemon goodness in every bite. Perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon coffee breaks, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these easy bakes are full of fresh flavor and simple ingredients you will love working with in your own kitchen.

Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Ten icing-covered cookies cool on a black wire rack next to a glass bowl with a spoon. — Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Ricotta cheese gives these cookies a soft and tender texture. Fresh lemon zest runs through the dough for a fragrant citrus note. A light glaze on top adds an extra layer of sweetness. They stay moist and delicate even after a day or two.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Lemon Meltaway Cookies

A row of lemon sandwich cookies on a rectangular white plate, with lemon slices and whole lemons on a red cloth background. — Lemon Meltaway Cookies. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

These cookies live up to their name with a texture that dissolves on your tongue. Cornstarch helps create their delicate crumb. Lemon flavor shines through without overpowering the buttery base. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a simple finish.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Meltaway Cookies

Lemon Shortbread Cookies

A plate of round, golden cookies sits on a brown towel, with whole and halved lemons nearby on a white surface. — Lemon Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Buttery shortbread forms the base of these crisp cookies. Lemon zest brightens the rich dough. They slice cleanly and hold their shape while baking. A drizzle of glaze or dip in chocolate adds an optional twist.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Shortbread Cookies

Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies

Lemon meringue cookies on a wooden board and a red checkered cloth, with a plate of more cookies in the background. — Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies. Photo credit: Mama’s On A Budget.

Inspired by Lemon meringue pie, these cookies pack layered flavor into a small bite. A soft cookie base supports a dollop of lemon curd. Toasted meringue on top adds visual appeal and sweetness. Each bite offers contrast in texture and taste.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies

Lemon Ricotta Cookies

A plate of lemon cookies topped with white icing and lemon zest, garnished with lemon wedges, next to a glass of milk and a whole lemon. — Lemon Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

These cookies are pillowy and light thanks to creamy ricotta. Lemon juice and zest add depth to the dough. A simple icing enhances the citrus flavor. They look beautiful arranged on a dessert tray.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Almond Flour Lemon Cookies

A batch of round cookies with light icing and lemon zest sits on a cooling rack; one cookie in front has a bite taken out of it. — Almond Flour Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Almond flour gives these cookies a slightly nutty undertone. The texture is soft with lightly crisp edges. Lemon zest cuts through the richness of the almonds. They bake into golden rounds with a tender center.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Lemon Cookies

5-Ingredient Lemon White Chocolate Cookies With Cake Mix

A plate of round, yellow cookies topped with a creamy white filling, arranged on a black dish with white chocolate chips scattered nearby. — 5-Ingredient Lemon White Chocolate Cookies With Cake Mix. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This shortcut recipe starts with a lemon cake mix for ease. White chocolate chips add creamy sweetness throughout. The dough comes together quickly with minimal prep. The result is soft cookies with bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Lemon White Chocolate Cookies With Cake Mix

Raspberry Lemon Cookies

A wooden plate with jam-filled spiral cookies arranged around a small bowl of red jam, set on a light table with purple cloth and whole yellow fruits in the background. — Raspberry Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: Maria’s Mixing Bowl.

Raspberries add bright pops of color and flavor. Their tartness pairs naturally with the citrus base. The dough bakes into soft centers with lightly golden edges. A drizzle of glaze enhances both the berry and lemon notes.
Get the Recipe: Raspberry Lemon Cookies

Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

Round cookies with yellow filling are arranged on a marble surface, with a purple flower placed among them. — Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These classic thumbprint cookies feature a buttery base. A spoonful of lemon curd fills the center of each one. The filling stays vibrant and glossy after baking. They make an eye catching addition to any cookie platter.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups

A white rectangular plate holds seven round poppy seed cookies, placed on a light brick surface with a lemon, a lavender sprig, and a checkered towel nearby. — Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups. Photo credit: Like Mother Like Daugther.

Cookie dough is shaped into small cups to hold a creamy lemon filling. A swirl of meringue tops each one. Light browning adds contrast and flavor. They combine multiple textures in a single bite.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Meringue Cookie Cups

Lemon Blueberry Cookies

Blueberries add sweetness and color to these citrus cookies. The fruit softens slightly during baking, creating juicy pockets. Lemon zest keeps the flavor lively. They look especially inviting with a light glaze on top.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Cookies

Lemony Sourdough Protein Shortbread Cookies

Sourdough discard adds depth and a subtle tang to these cookies. The shortbread base remains firm and sliceable. Lemon zest brightens the flavor profile. They offer a unique twist on traditional shortbread.
Get the Recipe: Lemony Sourdough Protein Shortbread Cookies

Lemon Sugar Cookies

These cookies start with a classic sugar cookie dough. Lemon zest and juice give them a citrus upgrade. Rolling them in sugar creates a lightly crisp exterior. The centers stay soft and tender.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Sugar Cookies

Lemon Puff Cookies

These cookies bake up light and airy with a delicate crumb. A hint of lemon runs through the dough. Powdered sugar on top adds a sweet contrast. Their soft texture makes them easy to enjoy with coffee or tea.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Puff Cookies

Lemon Cookie Bars

Baked in a pan and sliced into squares, these bars are simple to serve. The texture is soft and slightly chewy. Lemon flavor shines through in both the base and glaze. They are easy to transport for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookie Bars

Lemon Cake Mix Cookies

A boxed cake mix forms the foundation of this easy recipe. The dough mixes quickly with just a few added ingredients. The cookies bake into soft rounds with bright flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar gives them a polished look.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cake Mix Cookies

Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies

Poppy seeds add subtle crunch and visual interest. Lemon zest and juice bring bold citrus flavor. The cookies bake with lightly crisp edges and soft centers. They pair beautifully with a simple lemon glaze.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies