Name: Levain Bakery Lemon Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Cold Butter (cut into cubes); 1 cup Sugar; 2/3 cup Brown Sugar; 1 large Egg; 1 large Egg Yolk; Lemon Zest (from 1 large lemon); 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice; 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Extract (optional); 3 1/4 cups Flour; 1 teaspoon Cornstarch; 3/4 teaspoon Baking Soda; 3/4 teaspoon Salt; 2 cups Lemon Chips or White Chocolate Chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 54 reviews

If you’re craving that perfect zesty, buttery treat that feels like sunshine in cookie form, you have to try the Levain Bakery Lemon Cookies Recipe. This delightful cookie balances a crisp golden exterior with a moist and tender interior, bursting with fresh lemon flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. Lovingly crafted from simple, high-quality ingredients, these cookies are sure to become your new favorite indulgence, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four round cookies with a light golden brown color resting on white baking paper, each topped with white chocolate chips scattered across the surface. The cookies have a soft and slightly cracked texture, making them look fresh and warm. Around the cookies, there are six lemon wedges with bright yellow flesh and white rinds placed randomly on the white marbled texture surface beneath the baking paper. The overall scene is well-lit, highlighting the details of the cookies and lemons with a cozy feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

While this recipe boasts a straightforward list of ingredients, each one plays an essential role in building the bright, fresh flavor and irresistible texture of these lemon cookies. From the cold butter that lends the perfect crumb to the zing of fresh lemon zest and juice, every component is carefully chosen to elevate this treat.

Cold Butter: Using butter straight from the fridge ensures the cookies stay thick and chewy with a tender crumb.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that beautiful golden crust on the cookies.
Brown Sugar: Gives depth of flavor and contributes to the chewy texture we all love.
Egg and Egg Yolk: Provide richness and help bind the dough together perfectly.
Lemon Zest: This is where the fresh, aromatic lemon essence shines through — don’t skimp on this!
Fresh Lemon Juice: Brings a lively tart note to balance the sweetness and brighten the flavor.
Lemon Extract (optional): Can amplify the lemony profile if you’re a hardcore citrus fan.
Flour: The structure base for your cookies; be sure to mix just enough to keep them tender.
Cornstarch: A secret weapon for softness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Baking Soda: Helps these cookies rise just enough without spreading too thin.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Lemon Chips or White Chocolate Chips: Adds pockets of gooey, fruity sweetness and a lovely texture contrast.

How to Make Levain Bakery Lemon Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed cold butter along with both the white and brown sugars. Cream them together for about 4 minutes or until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and wonderfully smooth. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through to ensure everything combines evenly. This creaming step is where you develop the base texture for those incredible cookies.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Lemon

Once your butter and sugars are perfectly creamed, whisk in the large egg, egg yolk, fresh lemon zest from one large lemon, fresh lemon juice, and optional lemon extract. If you want a stronger burst of citrus, don’t be shy to add extra lemon zest here. The mixture will become bright and slightly glossy, a sure sign you are on the right track to cookie bliss.

Step 3: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Chips

Next, carefully fold in the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt—mix just until all the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can toughen the dough, so keep it gentle. Once the dry mix is combined, stir in your lemon chips or white chocolate chips. These sweet gems infuse extra flavor with each bite and add a delightful texture contrast in the final cookie.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

The dough should now come together beautifully. For that classic Levain Bakery thick cookie shape, roll the dough into 6-ounce balls. Using a kitchen scale is a clever tip to ensure all your cookies bake evenly. Place these big, luscious dough balls onto a light-colored baking sheet—this is important because darker pans can cause your cookies’ bottoms to brown too quickly.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies in the preheated 400-degree oven for 9 to 11 minutes. You want the edges to be golden but the centers still soft; they will firm up as they cool. After taking them out, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes so they can set perfectly. Then, prepare yourself for a cookie experience that’s chewy, tangy, and utterly unforgettable.

How to Serve Levain Bakery Lemon Cookies Recipe

Six round, golden brown cookies studded with white chocolate chips are placed on a white marbled surface. Each cookie is slightly cracked with a soft texture visible on top. Between the cookies, there are bright yellow lemon slices arranged evenly, adding a pop of color and freshness to the scene. The cookies and lemon slices are spaced out in a grid-like pattern, creating a balanced and neat presentation. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra fresh lemon zest on top right after baking for a zesty flair that enhances aroma and presentation. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty, delicate sweetness and a professional touch. For an elegant touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the tops for a beautiful shine and extra richness.

Side Dishes

These lemon cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of tea, such as Earl Grey or chamomile, to complement the citrus notes. For brunch or afternoon treats, serve alongside fresh fruit like berries or a dollop of whipped cream to add creaminess that balances the tartness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these sizable cookies into a rustic tower on a pretty plate for a charming afternoon display. For gift-giving, wrap a few in parchment paper tied with yellow ribbon to capture their sunny personality. You can also sandwich two cookies with a lemon-flavored cream cheese frosting for a show-stopping dessert that will wow friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your baked Levain Bakery Lemon Cookies Recipe cookies will stay fresh stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keep them away from heat and moisture to preserve their soft centers and crisp edges.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen dough can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as instructed for fresh-from-the-oven taste anytime you desire.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth and softness, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds or heat gently in a 300-degree oven for 3-5 minutes. This quick reheat brightens the lemony flavor and makes your cookies feel freshly baked and absolutely irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of lemon or white chocolate chips?

Absolutely! While lemon or white chocolate chips perfectly complement the citrus twist, classic semi-sweet chocolate chips also work well and add a deliciously rich contrast that many enjoy.

What if I don’t have cornstarch? Can I skip it?

Cornstarch is key to achieving the soft, tender texture typical of the Levain Bakery Lemon Cookies Recipe. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with an equal amount of arrowroot powder or just reduce the flour slightly, but the texture may be a little different.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on butter and eggs for texture and flavor, so converting it to vegan or dairy-free would require significant substitutions like vegan butter and egg replacers. It’s possible but keep in mind the texture and richness might vary.

How important is it to use cold butter?

Using cold butter helps keep the dough chunky and thick, producing those signature tall, chewy cookies. Room temperature butter will cause the dough to spread more and result in thinner cookies.

Can I add more lemon flavor to make it extra tangy?

Definitely! Feel free to increase the amount of lemon zest or a splash more fresh lemon juice to intensify that zesty lemon punch. Just be cautious not to add too much liquid, or the dough may become too wet.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like biting into a cookie that feels homemade but carries the sophistication of a famed bakery, and the Levain Bakery Lemon Cookies Recipe does exactly that. With its perfect balance of buttery richness and bright citrus flavor, it’s a sure way to add joy to your baking routine and delight anyone lucky enough to share these treats. So, grab your ingredients and start baking—you’re just a few steps away from cookie heaven.