Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies (Dairy-Free)

Update : March 11, 2026

Gluten-free dairy-free lemon cookies on a plate with a lemon wedge.

Why Make This Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that’s both delicious and suitable for those with dietary restrictions, these Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies are perfect! They offer a bright lemon flavor and a soft texture, making them a delightful addition to any dessert table. Plus, they are dairy-free, so you can share them with friends and family who have lactose sensitivities. These cookies are easy to make and use simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.

How to Make Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups gluten-free flour*
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ¼ cup sugar
½ cup dairy-free butter, room temperature**
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 ½ – 2 teaspoons lemon zest
½ teaspoon lemon extract
½ teaspoon vanilla
½ cup powdered sugar or granulated sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie pan with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Zest and juice one lemon; keep them aside for later use.
In a stand mixer, mix the dairy-free butter and sugar until creamy. Then, add the egg, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon extract, and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until everything is thoroughly combined. If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Use a cookie scoop to form balls of dough, then roll each ball in powdered sugar (or granulated sugar, if you prefer).
Place the cookie dough balls at least 2 ½ inches apart on the prepared baking pan. Bake for 11 minutes for small cookies (1 tablespoon size) or 13 minutes for medium cookies (1 ½ tablespoon size).
Let the baking pan cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes, then transfer the cookies to the wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can also be served at room temperature. Pair them with a cup of tea or lemon-infused water for a refreshing snack. They make an excellent dessert for gatherings or can be packed in lunchboxes for a sweet homemade treat.

How to Store Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Place the cookies in a sealed freezer bag, and they will stay good for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Tips to Make Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies

Make sure to use a good quality gluten-free flour blend for the best results.
If you find the dough still too sticky after chilling, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Experiment with different types of sugar for rolling. Granulated sugar gives a nice crunch, while powdered sugar makes for a sweeter finish.

Variation

For a different flavor, you can add poppy seeds to the dough for a lemon-poppy seed cookie treat. You can also use lime or orange instead of lemon for a citrus twist!

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or a store-bought egg replacer for a vegan option.

2. What gluten-free flour should I use?
A good all-purpose gluten-free flour blend works best; just make sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum included.

3. Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?
Absolutely! Adding dairy-free chocolate chips is a great way to enhance the flavor while keeping the cookies dairy-free.