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You are here: Home / Desserts and Pastries / Lemon Cooler Cookies

Lemon Cooler Cookies

May 5, 2021 by Tristin 20 Comments

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Lemon Cooler Cookies are light and airy cookies with a burst of lemon flavor. After baking, these lemon coolers take not one, but two baths in lemony powdered sugar. You will be making this lemon cooler cookie recipe again and again.

Do you love dessert? So do we! If you want more delicious desserts look no further. Try our Old Fashioned Berry Crisp or Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake. If you are in the mood for cookies, try this true classic!

A stack of Lemon cooler cookies with a lemon next to it.
These are the BEST Lemon Coolers

Powdered Sugar Lemon Cookies

These lemon coolers cookies are so airy! They have a lightness that almost melts in your mouth. They end up with the most tender crumb, that is similar to cake, but not dense like cake. The texture is lovely with a punch of tang. It’s the perfect amount of lemon flavor balanced with a gentle sweetness.

If you are craving something tart that makes your mouth water and you love lemon, then this cookie recipe is for you. These cookies get a gentle kiss of lemon flavor from lemon zest and lemon juice. But the powdered lemonade gives them a serious zing that really bring the tanginess to life.

A cooling rack of lemon cookies and a bowl of lemons in the background.
Lemon Cooler Cookies are so Tangy and Fresh, They Really Hit the Spot

I haven’t always loved all things lemon. It’s not that I didn’t like lemon, I just always leaned more toward cherry or strawberry flavored things and almost never orange, lime, or lemon. But, as I have gotten older, I have grown a deep appreciation for this tangy, yellow fruit. I find that I appreciate that tart flavor more and more and try to bake and cook with it every chance I get.

Lemon cooler cookies scattered around on parchment paper, a zested lemon on a grater, and a baking sheet of cookies
Top These Cookies With a Glaze Instead of Powdered Sugar

I couldn’t stop eating these cookies (and neither could the hubs). After their second powdered sugar dunking, they were calling my name from the cooling rack. I had to sneak a few every time I walked by. By the time the kids got home, they also grabbed some which meant the whole batch of cookies had nearly disappeared.

Darn it, I guess I will have to make more!!

A tall stack of cookies dusted with powdered sugar and topped with zest.
If you are Worried About the Zest Clumping, Just Mix it Into the Granulated Sugar

What to do With Sticky Dough

This dough is seriously sticky. Make sure to refrigerate it for the full hour or more. I was able to roll my batter into balls after it was refrigerated for a full hour. The dough does NOT have to be rolled into balls. The cookies come out just as delicious if they are scooped and dropped right onto the parchment paper.

If you feel you must form balls (but the dough is too sticky), just add a little bit of flour until the texture is a little better. I wouldn’t add too much because your cookies won’t be as light and fluffy.

Can I Glaze These Lemon Cooler Cookies?

You could leave off the powdered sugar, lemonade coating and instead add a light glaze to the tops of these cookies. Combine together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice (or more/less if needed). Either dip right into glaze, spoon to coat, or just add a little drizzle.

Lemon cookies scattered around with one held up with a bite missing.
Powdered Lemonade is What Gives These Cookies A Zing of Flavor

Interesting Lemon Facts

You get home from the grocery store and what is the first thing most people do with their lemons? Display them in a glorious fruit bowl on their counter for everyone to see (they really are quite beautiful). But, have you noticed that only about a week of sitting out at room temperature, they dry out and become unusable? Did you know that lemons last much longer when you store them in the refrigerator? Just put them in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge and they will last for many extra weeks.

Fresh Lemon Cookies Ingredients

This is a list of all the ingredients you need to make lemon cooler cookies. There are detailed amounts listed on the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  • Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here.
  • Cornstarch: Cornstarch gets added to the all-purpose flour to make it behave like cake flour.
  • Salt: I like using kosher or sea salt.
  • Baking Powder: I like to buy aluminum-free baking powder.
  • Baking Soda: Make sure the baking soda isn’t expired.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter, at room temperature.
  • Sugar: Both granulated white sugar and powdered sugar are used.
  • Zest: You will need the zest of 1 lemon, about 1 teaspoon.
  • Juice: The juice of 1 large lemon.
  • Extracts: You will need both vanilla and lemon extract.
  • Egg: You will need two large eggs.
  • Powdered Lemonade: For the outside coating, you will need an unsweetened lemonade powder (I used Kool-Aid).
All of the ingredients needed to make Lemon Cooler cookies such as lemon zest, butter, vanilla extract, and flour.
Make Sure to Zest and Juice the Lemons Before Starting on the Batter

How to Make Lemon Coolers Recipe

The full instructions on how to make these cookies is down below in the recipe card.

  1. Combine together flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
  2. Beat together butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Add in zest, juice, eggs, lemon extract, and vanilla extract.
  3. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, just a little as a time. Scraping down the bowl as needed.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour.
All of the steps needed to make lemon cookies.
These Lemon Coolers have a Very Sticky Batter, Make Sure to Refrigerate Dough For at Least an Hour

5. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough with a tablespoon sized scoop. Roll the dough into balls or drop directly onto baking sheets. Place the cookies at least two-inches apart.

6. Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes. In a plastic zip bag or on a pie plate, mix together the powdered sugar and powdered lemonade. After pulling the cookies out of the oven toss them a few at a time in the sugar concoction. Try to work fast to get them all coated before they cool down, but carefully so that you don’t get burned.

7. Let the cookies cool down on cooling rack, then coat them in a second dusting of powdered sugar.

All the steps needed to make lemon cookies.
Right After Coming Out of the Oven, the Cookies Get Coated in Powdered Sugar

Lemon Cooler Cookie Tips

  • This dough is sticky. Make sure to refrigerate it for the full hour or more.
  • When zesting your lemons, you don’t have to use a microplaner. The smallest, spikey holes on the side of your cheese grater will also work (just try not to get any of the white pith or your cookies may end up bitter).
  • If you are worried about your zest sticking together, you can add it to the sugar before adding it to the batter.
  • Roll the hot cookies right into the powdered sugar. Try to work fast (but careful not to burn your hands) to get them all coated before they are too cool.
  • It does take a little while to zest and juice the lemons, so make sure you take that you have that done before starting on the batter.
  • Use a cookie batter scoop to get consistently sized cookies.
  • Fresh lemons will be easiest to zest.
  • This recipe makes 33-35 cookies, so double if you want even more lemon cookies.
Lemon cooler cookies scattered around on parchment paper, a zested lemon on a grater, and a baking sheet of cookies
Refrigerate Your Lemons to Keep Them Fresher Longer

Lemon Cooler Variations

  • Add in a little of the powdered lemonade to the batter for more lemon flavor (let me know how it turns out, I haven’t tried it yet).
  • Drizzle a glaze on top of these cookies instead of rolling them in powdered sugar.
  • You can use lemon extract paste instead of lemon extract, just use half of the amount.
  • Add more zest in the batter and in the powdered sugar for extra lemon flavor.
  • If you do not want to use powdered lemonade in the coating, add a teaspoon of lemon zest into the powdered sugar instead.

Lemon Cooler Cookies Storage Instructions

  • How to Refrigerate Lemon Coolers: Cooked cookies can be stored in the fridge and put in a glass container or BPA-free airtight plastic container or zipper bag. Unbaked cookie dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • How to Store at Room Temperature: Store lemon coolers at room temp for 5-6 days in an airtight container.
  • How to Freeze Lemon Coolers: Unpowdered cookies can last up to 6 months in the freezer. After you pull them out and let them defrost, follow the instructions for adding just the powdered sugar coating. Store baked cookies in an airtight glass, BPA-free freezer-safe bag or freezer-safe plastic container. You can also store prepared dough in the freezer for about 3 months. Make sure to label the cookies or dough with the recipe name and date.
  • How to Thaw: Thaw the frozen cookies in the fridge or on the counter.
Lemon cooler cookies scattered around on parchment paper, a zested lemon on a grater, and a baking sheet of cookies
Instead of the Powdered Lemonade, Add a Teaspoon into the Powdered Sugar

Try these other amazing dessert recipes!

  • Stuffed Fluffernutter Cookies
  • Triple Berry Crisp
  • Apple Cinnamon Bread
  • Watergate Cake
  • Soft Cut Out Sugar Cookies

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A stack of Lemon cooler cookies with a lemon next to it.
Print Recipe
5 from 10 votes

Lemon Cooler Cookies

Lemon Cooler Cookies are light and airy cookies with a burst of lemon flavor. After baking, these homemade lemon cookies take not one, but two baths in lemony powdered sugar. You will be making this lemon cookie recipe again and again.
Prep Time25 mins
Cook Time24 mins
Refrigerate Dough1 hr
Total Time1 hr 49 mins
Course: Dessert and Pastries
Cuisine: American
Servings: 17
Calories: 145kcal
Author: Tristin @ Home Cooked Harvest

Ingredients

For Cookies:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup butter unsalted, 1 stick
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract

Cookie Coating:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon powdered lemonade unsweetened

Instructions

  • In medium bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Set off to side.
  • In stand mixer (or with hand mixer) beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add in the lemon juice, lemon zest, eggs, lemon extract, and vanilla extract mix until combined.
  • Slowly add the reserved dry ingredients in to the wet ingredients, scraping down the bowl as needed.
  • Cover the mixing bowl and place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 325°F. Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon sized dough scoop, scoop dough and roll into 1-inch balls (or drop onto baking sheet). Place balls 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 12-14 minutes. While cookies are cooking, combine together the powdered sugar and powdered lemonade in a ziplock bag or pie plate. After removing hot cookies from the oven, toss a few cookies in the powdered sugar mixture. Covering well and then placing on a cooling rack. Once cookies are completely cooled, coat them again with another layer of powdered sugar mixture.

Notes

  • Drizzle a glaze on top of these cookies instead of rolling them in powdered sugar.
  • If you do not want to use powdered lemonade in the coating, add a teaspoon of lemon zest into the powdered sugar instead.
  • Lemon Coolers will last about 5-6 days at room temperature in an airtight container.
 
 
* Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results. 

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 105mg | Potassium: 24mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 199IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anna

    May 12, 2021 at 1:38 pm

    5 stars
    Lemon flavours in baked goodies are literally my favourite! These cookies will be no doubt right up my street! Going to make them this weekend ????

  2. Tristin

    May 12, 2021 at 1:40 pm

    Lemon always add such a fresh flavor. I can’t wait for you to try them, Anna!!

  3. Leslie

    May 13, 2021 at 8:23 am

    5 stars
    I love that these are named Lemon Cooler cookies, because that’s the perfect name for them! Such a refreshing cookie recipe!

  4. Tristin

    May 13, 2021 at 8:30 am

    Aren’t they refreshing? I especially love the zing of lemon flavor!! Thanks for commenting, Leslie.

  5. Veronika

    May 13, 2021 at 1:25 pm

    5 stars
    I love lemon cookies! they are perfect for the Summer and always fun to make 😉

  6. Tristin

    May 13, 2021 at 1:30 pm

    Aren’t lemon flavored cookies so bright and flavorful. The lemon reminds me of the sun, perfect for summer. Thank you, Veronika!

  7. Tammy

    May 14, 2021 at 1:52 pm

    5 stars
    Oooh these look lovely! I love crisp cookies like these and the lemon sugar coating sounds wonderful. A perfect treat for lemon lovers 😀

  8. Tristin

    May 14, 2021 at 1:56 pm

    These are perfection if you are a lemon lover, Tammy. I hope you enjoy them!

  9. Gina Hoskins

    May 14, 2021 at 6:42 pm

    5 stars
    These look so soft and moist! Could I substitute the egg for a “flaxseed egg” Do you think it would turn out okay?

  10. Tristin

    May 14, 2021 at 6:50 pm

    I think you could use a flaxseed egg replacer in this, although I have not tried it. Let me know how it turns out, Gina.

  11. Heidy

    May 15, 2021 at 6:31 am

    5 stars
    I was very impressed with the flavors in this Lemon Cooler cookies recipe and enjoyed it. Thanks for posting specific easy to follow instructions and tips! That made life so much easier. Have a great Sunday!
    Heidy

  12. Tristin

    May 15, 2021 at 6:40 am

    Great! I am glad the tips helped, Heidy. I love the punch of lemon flavor in these cookies, happy you liked them.

  13. Jacqueline Debono

    May 16, 2021 at 12:00 pm

    5 stars
    I love lemon flavoured cakes, cookies and dessert so these cookies are so on my to-make list. They look and sound divine. Thanks for the tip about storing lemons! Like everyone I keep them in a fruit bowl but from now on they’re going in the fridge!

  14. Tristin

    May 16, 2021 at 12:06 pm

    Thanks so much I’m glad my tip helped, Jacqueline. Hope you enjoy the lemon coolers!!

  15. Ramona

    May 16, 2021 at 12:31 pm

    5 stars
    I am really craving these cookies now because i love lemon and they look so delicate! I love how you decorated them and overall they look amazing. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

  16. Tristin

    May 16, 2021 at 12:41 pm

    Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Ramona. The cookies do come out light as air, but with tons of flavor. I hope you love them.

  17. Ksenia @ At the Immigrant's Table

    May 16, 2021 at 1:49 pm

    5 stars
    My mom was recently looking for the perfect recipe to use up her crop of lemons, and you cookies look like the perfect fit! I’ll be making them with her very soon.

  18. Tristin

    May 16, 2021 at 1:56 pm

    That sounds amazing, Ksenia. I wish I had a crop of lemons. I can’t get any fruit trees to grow in my yard. I hope that your mom enjoyed these lemon cookies!!

  19. Moop Brown

    May 17, 2021 at 1:28 am

    5 stars
    Lemon may be one of my favorite dessert flavors and the addition of the powdered sugar in this recipe is such a nice touch.

  20. Tristin

    May 17, 2021 at 1:35 am

    Lemon desserts are soooo good! I really hope you love the lemon cookies, Moop.

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Hey there! Welcome, I am so glad you are here. I’m Tristin, the food-lover, recipe-maker, and photo-taker behind Home Cooked Harvest, which features easy recipes made with tasty ingredients. Read More…

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