Lemon Pound Cake Cookies Recipe: Soft, Buttery & Irresistible

What Are These Cookies?

These cookies combine the best of two worlds: the rich, buttery texture of pound cake and the crisp, tender bite of a cookie. Infused with zesty lemon flavor, Lemon Pound Cake Cookies are a delightful treat for citrus lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Pound Cake Cookies Recipe

This recipe is simple to make, requires basic pantry ingredients, and delivers bakery-quality cookies with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. The soft, cake-like texture melts in your mouth, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

The Perfect Combination of Flavor and Texture

Key Ingredients

Butter: Provides richness and a soft texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate crumb.
Lemon Zest & Juice: Delivers fresh, tangy citrus flavor.
Flour: Ensures structure while keeping the cookies light.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the soft, chewy texture.

A collection of fresh ingredients Lemon Pound Cake Cookies, including lemons, butter, sugar, and flour, arranged on a marble countertop. — Gather all the essential ingredients to make these soft and buttery cookies.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Essential Ingredients for the Base

The foundation of these cookies consists of butter, sugar, flour, and eggs. These ingredients create a soft, rich, and slightly dense texture reminiscent of pound cake.

Adding Zesty Lemon Flavor

Freshly grated lemon zest and lemon juice infuse the dough with bright citrus notes. Using fresh lemons rather than bottled juice ensures the best flavor.

Optional Ingredients for Added Texture

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Can be used to create a light glaze.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the citrus flavor.

Substituting Ingredients for Dietary Restrictions

Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Replace butter with dairy-free alternatives for a lactose-free option.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Dough for Lemon Pound Cake Cookies

Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing well.
Slowly incorporate the flour and salt, stirring until just combined.

A baker mixing lemon-infused cookie dough in a bowl. — Combine butter, sugar, and fresh lemon zest to create a perfect cookie dough.

Shaping and Baking Lemon Pound Cake Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Scoop small portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.

How to Tell When They Are Done

They should be slightly golden around the edges and set in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Cookie dough balls arranged on a baking sheet before baking. — Shape your cookie dough into round portions for even baking.

Cooling and Enjoying

Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Pound Cake Cookies Every Time

Use Fresh Lemons for Maximum Flavor

Fresh lemon juice and zest provide a brighter and more authentic citrus flavor than store-bought alternatives.

Don’t Overmix the Dough

Overmixing can lead to dense cookies. Stir until just combined to keep the texture light and tender.

Experiment with Lemon Glaze or Icing

For extra sweetness, drizzle a lemon glaze over the cookies after they have cooled.

Adjusting the Recipe for Larger Batches

If making a larger batch of Lemon Pound Cake Cookies, double the ingredients but bake in multiple rounds to ensure even baking.

A baker drizzling sweet lemon glaze over fresh cookies. — Add a sweet lemon glaze to your cookies for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Serving and Storing Lemon Pound Cake Cookies

How to Serve Lemon Pound Cake Cookies

These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. They also make a great addition to dessert platters for special occasions.

Storing Lemon Pound Cake Cookies for Freshness

To keep them fresh, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

How Long Do Lemon Pound Cake Cookies Last?

Room Temperature: Up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: Up to 10 days.
Freezer: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

These cookies are the perfect treat for citrus lovers. They’re soft, delicate, and bursting with bright flavor, making them an excellent addition to any dessert table. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a sweet glaze, they are sure to impress! For more delicious Madeline cookie variations, check out our Madeline Cookies Recipe and discover a new favorite.

Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, homemade treat!