Copycat Panera Lemon Drop Cookie Recipe (2024)

Get ready to dive into tanalizing flavor and melt in your mouth texture with this copycat Panera lemon drop cookie recipe. These cookies will have the perfect blend of zesty lemon and delicate sweetness dancing on your taste buds. Wrapped in a texture that's simultaneously crisp around the edges with an irresistibly soft center. This is the magic that Panera Bread has perfected in its lemon drop cookies. A treat that can be easily made at home.

Renowned for the commitment to crafting wholesome and delectable fare. Panera Bread has earned its place as a beloved bakery chain. Among their array of offerings, the lemon drop cookies stand out. As a testament to the bakery's dedication to creating unforgettable taste experiences.

These cookies encapsulate the essence of what Panera does best. Infusing simple ingredients with bold flavors and crafting textures that linger in memory. The cookies' harmonious balance of tanginess and sweetness not only delights customers. But also sums up the essence of Panera's commitment to culinary excellence.

And now, the good news is that you can bring a piece of this delightful bakery experience to your own kitchen. In the journey ahead, we will explore the intricate flavors and textures that define these lemon white chocolate chip cookies.

From the subtle art of adding fresh lemon zest to achieving the perfect cookie texture. We will unravel the secret behind these treats. Plus we will guide you through crafting this copycat recipe. So you can enjoy the magic of Panera in your own home with these delicious lemon drop cookies.

Panera Lemon Drop Cookies Ingredients

In this section, we'll discuss the necessary ingredients for creating this copycat Panera lemon drop cookie recipe. As well as potential substitutions.

All-purpose flour provides the base structure and texture for the cookies. For a nutter flavor to these cookies, you could replace the all purpose flour with whole wheat flour. However, this might alter the texture a bit.

Corn starch does a few things, helps with the texture, tenderness, moisture, and also with the shape of these lemon drop cookies.

Baking soda acts as the leavening agent so the cookies will rise. Salt enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness.

Unsalted butter that's room temperature adds richness as well as moisture to the cookies. You can use salted butter, but consider reducing or omitting the addition of salt that this recipe calls for.

Granulated sugar provides sweetness and contributes to the texture of the cookie. Brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor. However, it might slightly change the color and taste of the finished lemon drop cookies.

The large egg is the binding agent and also adds moisture to the cookies. To make these cookies vegan you can use flaxseed and water to create a flax egg.

Vanilla extract adds depth of flavor and aroma. I prefer to use my homemade bourbon vanilla extract, it has so much flavor. You can experiment with other extracts like almond or citrus for different flavor variations.

The lemon provides two things fresh juice and fresh zest, which makes this lemon cookie recipe. The juice gives the vibrant lemon flavor while the lemon zest adds a tangy kick and enhances the lemon essence. When it comes to the lemon juice and zest I feel fresh is best. But the juice could be replaced with lemon extract if needed.

White chocolate chips add a sweet creamy contrast to the tangy and zesty flavor of the lemon juice and zest.

Powdered sugar for dusting onto the cookies adds a finishing touch of sweetness and visual appeal. You could create a lemon glaze to really enhance these lemon drop cookies.

Remember that substitutions might slightly alter the taste, texture, or appearance of these easy lemon drop cookies.

How To Make

Whenever I do any baking I always start by preheating the oven. To bake this Panera lemon drop cookie recipe the oven needs to be at 350 degrees. I also like to prepare my cookie sheet pan with a silicone liner. You can use nonstick cooking spray as well.

Into a medium mixing bowl sift together the dry ingredients then set this aside. Using an electric mixer makes making these cookies so much easier. I use my stand mixer fitting with the paddle attachment to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

With the butter mixture creamed together mix in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Then slowly add a bit of the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until all is combined.

Onto the prepared baking sheet scoop the lemon cookie dough out using a large cookie scoop. Place the cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet.

Then bake in the preheated oven for 10-14 minutes or until the edges of the cookies have a golden brown to them. Allow the cookies to remain on the sheet pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to allow to completely cool.

Now take this copycat Paneria lemon drop cookie recipe over the top by dusting powdered sugar or create a lemon glaze to go on top of each crispy cookie.

These simple steps will have you savoring your very own batch of Panera-inspired lemon drop cookies in no time.

Questions Answered

Let's answer some most common questions about this chewy lemon cookie recipe.

Luscious Homemade Lemon Drop Cookies

Embark on a journey of flavors and textures that mirror the magic of Panera's lemon drop cookie recipe. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a kitchen enthusiast. Our meticulously crafted copycat recipe empowers you to create these lemon flavor treats in the comfort of your own home. Unleash your inner baker and transport your taste buds to the delightful world of tangy citrus and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

It's time to whisk, mix, and bake your way to your very own batch of these irresistible lemon drop cookies. Get ready to indulge and share the joy with family and friends.

More lemon flavor treats for all those lemon lovers in your life.