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Lemon White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

This Lemon White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is SO EASY! Soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh lemon zest and melty white chocolate chips.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chewy, Cookies, Easy, Lemon, Quick, White Chocolate
Servings: 24 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted (1 stick)
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 lemon zest of 1 whole lemon
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 package instant pudding mix or cornstarch (3.5 oz. vanilla or lemon pudding mix OR 1 tablespoon cornstarch)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

  • Start by melting the butter and letting it cool slightly. While it cools, zest one whole lemon carefully, avoiding the white pith. Measure out your sugars, flour, pudding mix or cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and white chocolate chips so everything is ready to go.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and combined. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and the large egg. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and glossy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, pudding mix (or cornstarch), and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumps.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 5: Fold in White Chocolate Chips

  • Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for melty bursts of sweetness in every bite.

Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

  • For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm for gooey white chocolate or room temperature for chewy perfection.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Zester or fine grater
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
  • Cooling Rack
  • Spoon or Cookie Scoop

Notes

  • Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
  • Use fresh lemon zest to maximize the bright citrus flavor in the cookies.
  • Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or freeze for longer storage.