If you love lemon desserts that are soft, sweet, and slightly tangy, these cookies are about to steal your heart.

These aren’t thin, crispy cookies.

They’re:

• Soft and pillowy
• Lightly cakey
• Zesty and fresh
• Gently sweet
• Protein boosted
• Perfect for spring & summer

They taste like tiny lemon pies in cookie form — tender centers, delicate crumb, and a lemon glaze that sets beautifully on top.

And yes… they truly disappear fast.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

If you love cozy bakes like my Buttery Cinnamon Swirl Donut Loaf or my High Protein Banana Cinnamon Greek Yogurt Breakfast Loaf, this lemon cookie recipe will fit right into your weekly baking rotation.

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Overview of These Lemon Cookies

These soft lemon cookies are perfect for:

• Afternoon tea
• Spring brunches
• Baby showers
• Holiday platters
• Lunchbox treats
• Light desserts

What they taste like:

Imagine lemon cake meets lemon pie — fluffy, slightly tangy, sweet but not heavy.

They have a tender crumb thanks to Greek yogurt and protein powder, which also gives each cookie around 3g of protein.

Why You’ll Love Them

• No chilling required
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Bright fresh lemon flavor
• Soft texture that stays moist
• Protein boosted
• Crowd-approved

Full Ingredients (Complete & Detailed)

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Yield: 18 cookies

For the Lemon Cookie Dough

• 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• ½ scoop (15g) vanilla protein powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Lemon Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest

How to Make Soft Cakey Lemon Cookies

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Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl whisk together:

• Flour
• Protein powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl beat:

• Softened butter
• Sugar

Beat until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in:

• Egg
• Greek yogurt
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla

Beat until smooth.

The lemon aroma at this stage? Incredible.

Step 5: Combine

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet.

Mix just until combined.

Do not overmix — this keeps cookies soft.

Step 6: Scoop & Bake

Scoop 1½ tablespoon portions onto baking sheet.

Bake 10–12 minutes.

Edges should be set but centers slightly soft.

Do not overbake.

Step 7: Glaze (Optional but Recommended)

Let cookies cool completely.

Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over tops.

Allow glaze to set before serving.

What Makes Them Soft & Cakey?

• Greek yogurt adds moisture.
• Protein powder adds structure.
• Butter keeps them rich.
• Baking powder gives lift.

The result? Pillowy, cake-like cookies.

Storage Instructions

Room temperature: 3 days
Refrigerator: 5 days
Freezer: Up to 2 months

Store in airtight container.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – 18 cookies)

Calories: 120
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Sugar: 10g
Fat: 5g
Sodium: 80mg

General Lemon Cookie Tips

• Use fresh lemon zest for maximum flavor.
• Don’t overbake.
• Let cookies cool before glazing.
• For stronger lemon flavor, add extra zest.
• Chill dough 20 minutes for thicker cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh is best for flavor.

Can I skip protein powder?

Yes — replace with 2 tablespoons flour.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, scoop and freeze up to 2 months.

Conclusion

These Soft Cakey Lemon Cookies are sunshine in dessert form.

They’re bright, fluffy, slightly tangy, and sweet enough to satisfy without feeling heavy.

If you love lemon desserts like my Lemon Custard Cake or crave protein-packed treats like my High Protein Brownies, this recipe belongs in your kitchen.

Bake them once… and I promise you’ll be doubling the batch next time.

Interactive Moment

If you bake these Soft Lemon Cookies…

Save this recipe on Pinterest and tag me:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Leave a comment and tell me:

Extra glaze… or extra zest?

I love seeing your creations!

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• https://poulef.com/lemon-custard-cake
• https://poulef.com/high-protein-brownies
• https://poulef.com/buttery-cinnamon-swirl-donut-loaf
• https://poulef.com/high-protein-banana-oat-cups
• https://poulef.com/marble-cake-done-right

Nutritional Breakdown Table (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	120
Protein	3g
Carbohydrates	17g
Sugar	10g
Fat	5g
Saturated Fat	3g
Sodium	80mg

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