Lemon Cookie Pie
Move over lemon meringue pie, there’s a new lemon dessert in town. This no-bake lemon cookie pie layers creamy lemon filling with crisp lemon cookies that soften into a dreamy cake-like texture as it chills. It’s bright, refreshing, and dangerously easy to devour. It’s the kind of dessert that has everyone asking for a second slice.

This is the kind of dessert that feels impressive but couldn’t be easier to make. No oven, no complicated steps, and no special equipment required. Just layer, chill, and let time do the work.
I especially love this recipe during the warmer months when turning on the oven sounds miserable, but it’s just as perfect for spring or summer gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something fresh and citrusy. The combination of tangy lemon cream and soft lemon cookies creates a texture somewhere between an icebox cake and a cream pie, making it nearly impossible to stop at one slice.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Pie
- Completely no-bake
- Bright, fresh lemon flavor
- The cookies soften into a cake-like texture as it chills
- Perfect make-ahead dessert
- Light enough for spring and summer but delicious year-round
- It’s unlike any other lemon pie!



Ingredient Notes
- Graham Crackers – Serve as the base for the crust, giving it a sweet and slightly crunchy foundation for the pie. I also love the layering of flavors, with the graham cracker crust paired with lemon cookies in the filling.
- Cream Cheese – Adds a creamy, thick base for the filling, adding richness and body to the pie.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds sweetness and a smooth, creamy texture to the filling.
- Lemon Juice & Zest – Delivers the tart, citrusy flavor that defines classic lemon pie.
- Heavy Whipping Cream – Whipped to create a light and airy texture in the filling, adding volume and creaminess.
- Dry Milk Powder (optional) – Helps stabilize the whipped cream, keeping it firm and fluffy.
- Thin Crispy Cookies – Layering lemon cookies inside the pie which soften as it chills overnight. Adding extra kick of lemon with every bite!
Cookie Options
The most important tip you’ll need to know for making this recipe is that you MUST use thin, crispy cookies, as they are what will transform the texture into tender, buttery layers as the pie chills overnight. I chose Tate’s Bake Shop lemon cookies because they add the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. However, any thin and crisp cookie will work!

Lemon Cookie Pie FAQs:
Yes! Use gluten free graham crackers for the crust (I like Pamela’s) and reduce the butter to 4 tablespoons. Also use Tate’s Bake Shop gluten free lemon cookies.
It’s best to make a day ahead so it can chill overnight and be served the next day. However, it can be made up to 3 days in advance, as long as it’s stored in a container in the refrigerator.
Any thin and crispy cookie will do! I like Tate’s to add an extra kick of lemon flavor.
It can! Use a thawed 8 ounce tub in place of the homemade whipped cream.
I have a key lime cookie pie as well!
Yes. After its overnight chill, freeze the pie tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

For more summer desserts, check out my:
- Lemon Cupcakes
- Strawberry Pizza
- Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
- Raspberry Cheesecake Crumble Bars
- Coconut Soaked Lime Cake
- Roasted Strawberry Cheesecake
- No-Churn Banana Pudding Ice Cream
- Strawberry Shortcake Cake
or try my Key Lime Cookie Pie!
Make sure to tag me @butternutbakery on Instagram and leave a review below if you make this lemon cookie pie. To pin this recipe and save it for later, you can use the button on the recipe card, the buttons above or below this post, or on any of the photos above. Happy baking!
Print
Lemon Cookie Pie
- Total Time: 45 minutes + Overnight
- Yield: 10-12 slices
Description
This lemon cookie pie is everything you want in a summer dessert. It’s creamy, bright, and incredibly easy to make. Layers of lemon filling and crisp lemon cookies chill together until the cookies soften into a tender, cake-like texture that’s completely irresistible.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 1/2 cups (165g) ground graham crackers *see notes for gluten free
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Lemon Pie Filling
- 8 oz full fat cream cheese, room temp
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup (115g) lemon juice
- 1 3/4 cups (430g) heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp dry milk powder (optional)
- 1 1/2 bags Tate’s Bake Shop lemon cookies (regular or gluten free)
Instructions
Graham Cracker Crust
- Mix together the ground graham crackers, sugar, and salt. Then stir in the melted butter until evenly combined. Press the crust into a 9″ pie dish, covering the bottom and sides. Place in the refrigerator while we make the filling.
Lemon Pie Filling
- In a medium bowl using a fork, mash the cream cheese until spread out. Then stir in the sweetened condensed milk. Once roughly combined, switch to a whisk and vigorously mix until completely smooth. Then whisk in the zest and juice until well combined.
- In a separate bowl using a hand or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and milk powder if using. Whip on high speed until light, fluffy, and smooth with firm peaks, about 2 minutes. Careful not to over whip as the mixture should still be smooth and creamy.
- Scoop half of the whipped cream into the lemon mixture and use a rubber spatula to fold to combine.
- Spread 1/3 of the filling into the bottom of the chilled crust. Place a layer of cookies on top, breaking some of the cookies to cover as much of the surface as possible.
- Spread another 1/3 of the filling on top and place another layer of cookies on top.
- Finish with a final layer of the lemon filling and then top with the remaining whipped cream. The filling will likely overtake the crust but that’s ok! We’re making a big, thick pie.
- Sprinkle the top with some crushed cookies and chill uncovered overnight. The next day, serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
GLUTEN FREE – Swap the graham crackers with a gluten free option. I like Pamela’s. Then reduce the butter to 4 tablespoons. Also make sure to use Tate’s gluten free lemon cookies.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Chill Time: Overnight
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Join Our Community

Meet Jenna
I’m the creator, baker, and photographer behind Butternut Bakery. Here I share desserts for every diet because I believe everyone should have a chance to indulge!



