Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature — this helps it cream smoothly with the sugar, creating the light texture these cookies are known for.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies their soft and tender crumb.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until everything is well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. The aroma of fresh lemon should be fragrant at this stage.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing — this keeps the cookies soft and prevents them from becoming dense.
