Refreshing Mint Lemon Cookies

Name: Refreshing Mint Lemon Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice; Zest of 2 lemons; 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love baking, especially when I can combine fresh flavors into delicious treats. These Refreshing Mint Lemon Cookies are the perfect balance of zesty lemon and cool mint, making them a standout addition to any dessert table. I enjoy whipping these up because they are simple to make yet incredibly refreshing. The hint of mint elevates the classic lemon cookie, giving it a unique twist that my friends and family can't get enough of. Whether for a summer gathering or just a sweet afternoon snack, I promise these will delight your taste buds.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-15T13:54:18.563Z

When I first made these Refreshing Mint Lemon Cookies, I was amazed by how the flavors complemented each other so well. I experimented with fresh mint leaves instead of just mint extract, and it truly enhanced the cookie’s freshness. The combination of zesty lemon and mint not only left a lovely aroma in my kitchen but also filled my heart with joy as I watched my family enjoy them.

One crucial tip that I learned is to chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This simple step helps the cookies maintain their shape, preventing them from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in perfectly textured cookies that are chewy yet firm. I guarantee these will be a new favorite!

Why You'll Love These Cookies
Zesty lemon flavor paired with refreshing mint
Delicate texture that's perfectly chewy
Perfect for any occasion, from picnics to celebrations

Mastering the Dough Consistency

Achieving the perfect dough consistency is crucial for the texture of your Refreshing Mint Lemon Cookies. You want the dough to be soft but not sticky, which helps in creating those chewy edges we all love. If your dough feels too wet after mixing, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until you reach the desired consistency. This will ensure your cookies maintain their shape during baking and have that appealing chewy texture.

Chilling the dough is an essential step that I recommend not skipping. Refrigerating the dough for a minimum of 30 minutes allows the butter to firm up, which helps the cookies spread less while baking. If you find you're short on time, you can chill the dough for just 15 minutes but expect slightly flatter cookies. For the best flavor, chilling longer can enhance the mint and lemon infusion throughout the dough.

Tips for Flavor Enhancements

The fresh lemon juice and zest in this recipe provide a bright flavor profile that complements the mint beautifully. If fresh lemons aren't available, you can use bottled lemon juice, but be aware that the taste may not be as vibrant. For an even bolder lemon kick, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon extract along with the juice. It adds depth and a concentrated citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the mint.

When it comes to the mint, using fresh leaves is vital for achieving an authentic taste. If you have dried mint on hand, you can substitute about 1 tablespoon of dried for the fresh mint, although the flavor will be milder. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different herbs! A hint of rosemary or basil may provide an unexpected but delightful twist to the overall flavor.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
Zest of 2 lemons
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by lemon juice, lemon zest, and mint leaves.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help maintain shape when baking.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your refreshing treats!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick of flavor, consider drizzling a lemon glaze over the cookies after cooling. Also, ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.

Storing and Freezing Cookies

To keep your Refreshing Mint Lemon Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Ideally, they should be consumed within a week for the best flavor and texture. If you wish to store them for a longer time, you can freeze the cookies. Just place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they can last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, allow them to thaw at room temperature and consider reheating them briefly in the oven for that freshly baked taste.

If you prefer to freeze the dough, you can scoop it into rounded tablespoons and freeze the pre-formed cookie dough balls on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake these right from frozen; simply add a couple of extra minutes to your baking time. This means you can have freshly baked cookies on demand without all the prep!

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize these cookies based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Adding white chocolate chips or chopped nuts like walnuts can introduce new textures and flavors. If you like a hint of spice, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg could lend an intriguing warmth to the cookies without overpowering the bright mint and lemon.

For added pizzazz, consider glaze topping your cookies after they cool. A simple lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice can enhance the lemon flavor while providing a delectable shine. To make it, whisk together about 1 cup of powdered sugar with enough lemon juice to achieve your desired consistency and drizzle it over the cooled cookies.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried mint instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh mint provides a more vibrant flavor. If using dried, reduce the amount to about 1 tablespoon.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough and bake fresh cookies later. Just allow the dough to thaw in the fridge before baking.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).