Lemon Pudding Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with citrusy flavor. The addition of lemon pudding mix gives these cookies a light, zesty taste and an extra moist texture that sets them apart from traditional sugar cookies.
These cookies are easy to make, full of bright flavor, and perfect for spring and summer baking. These cookies are soft in the center with just the right amount of crisp on the edges—and that subtle lemon zing makes them completely irresistible.
Recipe Highlights
- Soft & chewy texture: Instant pudding mix helps create an ultra-soft texture and keeps the cookies moist for days.
- Lemon flavor without lemon zest: The pudding mix adds lemon flavor easily—no need for fresh lemons.
- Simple to make: This recipe uses common pantry staples and comes together in one bowl with no chilling required.
Ingredients in Lemon Pudding Sugar Cookies
Butter: Adds richness, flavor, and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. For best results, use real butter and make sure that it is softened before mixing with the other ingredients. I use salted butter, but unsalted works too!
Oil: Contributes moisture and softness, keeping the cookies chewy for days. You can use vegetable, canola, or avocado oil.
Sugars: You will need granulated sugar and powdered sugar. Both provide sweetness and contribute to the soft texture of the cookies as well.
Eggs: Two large eggs bind everything together and add structure and richness to the dough.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the bright lemon flavor.
Instant lemon pudding mix: Infuses the cookies with lemon flavor and adds a soft, pillowy texture. To change up the flavor of the cookies, use a different flavor of pudding mix.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the cookies their shape and structure while balancing the moisture from the butter and oil. You can swap this out with a gluten-free substitute if needed.
Cream of tartar: Provides a subtle tang and contributes to the chewiness of the cookies.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to be fluffy in the center with crisp edges. For best results, make sure that the baking soda isn’t old or expired.
Tips & Tricks for Making Lemon Pudding Sugar Cookies
Full instructions for making the Lemon Pudding Sugar Cookies can be found on the recipe card below, but here are a few helpful tips.
- Don’t overbake—the cookies should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven. They’ll continue to bake on the pan as they cool.
- Switch up the flavor by using other pudding mixes like vanilla or white chocolate.
- Dip the glass in sugar between each cookie press to keep the dough from sticking and add a sparkling finish.
Storing Lemon Pudding Sugar Cookies
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To freeze, place in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Tips & Tricks for Making Lemon Pudding Sugar Cookies
- Don’t overbake—the cookies should look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven. They’ll continue to bake on the pan as they cool.
- Switch up the flavor by using other pudding mixes like vanilla or white chocolate.
- Dip the glass in sugar between each cookie press to keep the dough from sticking and add a sparkling finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
Yes! Vanilla, white chocolate, or even pistachio pudding would work well and give fun flavor variations.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No chilling is needed for this recipe, which makes it super quick and convenient.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can scoop and freeze the dough balls on a tray, then store them in a freezer bag. Just bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
Why do I need to press the cookies down before baking?
This dough doesn’t spread much, so pressing the cookies helps ensure they bake evenly and have the right shape.
Lemon Cookie Frosting recipe
These cookies are delicious without frosting, but if you want to spread something on top, here is a simple Lemon Frosting recipe. Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. You can either add a little more powdered sugar or a little more lemon juice to get the frosting to a spreading consistency.
More delicious lemon cookie recipes to try:
- Lemon Sandwich Cookies have a creamy lemon filling, and Lemon Pie Cookies are topped with lemon pudding and whipped cream.
- Adding fruit to cookies is always a good idea. Lemon Blueberry Muffin Cookies and Lemon Raspberry Cookie Cups are made with raspberry pie filling.
- If you are short on time, whip up a batch of Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies.
Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting treats, or just satisfying a lemon craving, these Lemon Pudding Sugar Cookies are a soft, citrusy cookie that everyone will love!
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