The Perfect Lemon Slice-and-Bake Cookies Recipe for Sweet Fans

Bright and zesty lemon slice-and-bake cookies dance with sunshine-inspired flavors that revamp ordinary baking into a delightful experience.

Crafted with minimal ingredients, these tender treats capture the essence of simple elegance.

Their buttery texture promises a melt-in-your-mouth sensation that dazzles taste buds with each delicate slice.

The citrus-infused dough brings a refreshing twist to traditional cookie recipes, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and tangy brightness.

Compact and convenient, these cookies eliminate complicated prep work while delivering maximum flavor impact.

Modern bakers appreciate the slice-and-bake technique that streamlines the entire baking process without sacrificing quality or taste.

You’ll fall in love with their effortless charm and irresistible zesty personality.

How to Slice and Bake Like a Pro

Step 1: Zest and Sugar Blend

In a mixing bowl, combine lemon zest and sugar. Add softened butter and cream together until the mixture becomes light and airy.

Step 2: Add Liquid Ingredients

Incorporate the egg and fresh lemon juice into the butter mixture, stirring until well combined.

Step 3: Create Cookie Dough

Gradually add flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together smoothly.

Step 4: Shape and Chill Dough

• Divide the dough into 2 equal portions
• Roll each portion into a log shape
• Wrap in plastic wrap
• Freeze for 40 minutes or refrigerate for 4-5 hours

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C)
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Step 6: Slice and Bake Cookies

• Cut the chilled dough logs into 1/5-inch thick slices
• Arrange slices on the prepared baking sheet
• Bake for 7-9 minutes
• Turn off the oven
• Let cookies sit in the warm oven for 5-6 minutes

Step 7: Cool and Serve

• Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes
• Transfer to a wire cooling rack
• Let cookies cool completely before serving

Tips for Crisp Edges and a Tender Center

• Zest Like a Pro: Use a microplane or fine grater to get the most aromatic lemon zest without the bitter white pith.
• Chill for Perfection: Freezing the dough logs helps maintain their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife and make clean, even cuts to ensure uniform cookie sizes and consistent baking.
• Avoid Overbaking: Watch cookies carefully; they should have just a hint of golden edges for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Storage Secret: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer preservation.

Storing These Cookies the Right Way

• Refrigerate cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture. Freeze baked cookies for longer storage by placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Reheat refrigerated or thawed cookies in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 2-3 minutes to restore their crisp edges and fresh-baked warmth. Always allow cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup that could make them soggy.

Tea and Toppings That Match the Vibe

• Brew Zesty Herbal Tea: Pair these lemon cookies with a light chamomile or lavender tea to complement the bright citrus notes, creating a refreshing and soothing afternoon treat.
• Creamy Lemon Yogurt Dip: Serve alongside a tangy Greek yogurt dip mixed with extra lemon zest and a touch of honey for a creamy, citrusy accompaniment that enhances the cookie's delicate flavor.
• Sparkling Citrus Mocktail: Mix a cool, bubbly drink with lemon juice, sparkling water, and a hint of mint to match the cookie's vibrant lemon profile and provide a crisp, palate-cleansing experience.
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Pairing: Enjoy these cookies with a scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream, letting the rich, creamy texture balance the cookie's light and zesty character.

New Citrus Variations to Test Out

• Citrus Burst Cookies: Replace lemon with orange zest and juice for a vibrant, tangy flavor that brings sunshine to your cookie plate.
• Lavender Lemon Dream: Fold in dried lavender buds to the dough for an elegant, aromatic twist that adds sophisticated floral notes.
• Glazed Lemon Cookies: Create a simple powdered sugar glaze with lemon juice and drizzle over cooled cookies for extra sweetness and shine.
• Coconut Lemon Crunch: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the cookies before baking to introduce a tropical texture and complementary flavor profile.

Why Lemon Slice-and-Bake Cookies Are Sweet Simplicity

• Bursting with Citrus Sunshine: These cookies deliver a bright, zesty lemon flavor that instantly lifts your mood and adds a refreshing twist to traditional sugar cookies.
• Quick and Foolproof Preparation: The slice-and-bake method makes these cookies super easy to prepare, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a simple yet delicious treat.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it, creating a convenient option for spontaneous baking or unexpected guests, saving time and reducing kitchen stress.
• Delicate Texture Delight: The cookies boast a light, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of softness and subtle crispness that makes each bite truly enjoyable.

The Basics That Bake into Something Beautiful

• Flour: Provides structure and texture to the cookies, all-purpose works best for a tender crumb.
• Sugar: Creates sweetness and helps with cookie browning and crisp edges.
• Butter: Adds richness, flavor, and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Brings bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic notes to the cookies.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookie dough.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy removal from the baking sheet.

Lemon Slice-and-Bake Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon slice-and-bake cookies bring Mediterranean sunshine to your kitchen with minimal effort. Buttery, crumbly shortbread infused with fresh lemon zest creates a delightful treat you’ll savor with afternoon tea or share with friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 280 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 130 g (½ cup and 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into cubes
• 105 g (½ cup) granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 30 g (2 tablespoons) lemon juice
• 18 g (2 tablespoons packed or ¼ cup) lemon zest

Binding Ingredient:

• 1 large egg

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Instructions

1. Massage lemon zest into granulated sugar, releasing aromatic oils. Incorporate softened unsalted butter, whipping until the mixture becomes airy and pale, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce a room-temperature large egg and freshly squeezed lemon juice, blending thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
3. Sift all-purpose flour gradually into the wet ingredients, folding gently until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
4. Partition the dough into two equal segments. Roll each portion into uniform cylindrical logs approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) in diameter.
5. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the freezer for 40 minutes or refrigerate for 4-5 hours to solidify and enhance flavor development.
6. Position oven rack in the center. Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Cover a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Remove dough logs and slice into 1/5-inch (0.5 centimeters) thick rounds using a sharp knife. Arrange cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 7-9 minutes until edges turn delicately golden. Turn off oven and allow cookies to rest inside for an additional 5-6 minutes.
9. Transfer baking sheet to cooling rack. Let cookies sit for 5 minutes to stabilize, then carefully move to wire rack for complete cooling.

Notes

• Freezing the dough logs ahead transforms these cookies into a make-ahead dessert, perfect for spontaneous baking or unexpected guests.
• Zesting lemons releases vibrant citrus oils, enhancing the cookie’s bright, refreshing flavor profile without overwhelming sweetness.
• Precise slicing ensures uniform cookies that bake evenly, creating a professional-looking treat with minimal effort.
• Letting cookies rest in the turned-off oven helps achieve a delicate, crisp texture that melts in your mouth.
• Chilling the dough develops deeper flavors and prevents spreading, resulting in beautifully shaped, tender cookies.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 120 kcal
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg