Glazed Lemon Cookies

Glazed lemon cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with bright, tangy lemon flavor. Topped with a sweet and zesty lemon glaze, these cookies are perfect for spring, summer, or anytime you crave a refreshing treat. They’re easy to make and ideal for parties, afternoon tea, or a quick dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bright and tangy lemon flavor in every bite.
  • Soft and tender cookies with a sweet, glossy glaze.
  • Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
  • Perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with a cup of tea.
  • Customizable for extra lemony goodness or other citrus variations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

  • Unsalted butter (softened)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Egg
  • Lemon zest
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

For the Glaze:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon zest

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
    • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Egg and Lemon:
    • Mix in the egg, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until fully combined.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  5. Shape and Bake:
    • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
    • Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
    • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the bottoms are lightly golden.
  6. Cool the Cookies:
    • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Prepare the Glaze:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more juice (for a thinner glaze) or powdered sugar (for a thicker glaze).
  8. Glaze the Cookies:
    • Spoon or drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Makes about 24 cookies.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes.
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes.
  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes.

Variations

  • Extra Lemony: Add more lemon zest or a touch of lemon extract to the dough for an even brighter flavor.
  • Citrus Medley: Use a mix of lemon, orange, and lime zest for a citrus twist.
  • Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
  • Decorative Glaze: Add a drop of yellow food coloring to the glaze for a vibrant look.
  • Poppyseed Lemon Cookies: Mix in a tablespoon of poppy seeds to the dough for texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
  • Reheating: These cookies are best served at room temperature and do not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt to ¼ teaspoon.

Why is my glaze too runny?

Add more powdered sugar a little at a time until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free butter substitute for a dairy-free version.

Can I add other flavors to the glaze?

Yes, try a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground ginger for extra depth.

How do I make thicker cookies?

Roll the dough slightly thicker and reduce the flattening step before baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily for a larger batch.

Are these cookies freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze unglazed cookies and glaze them after thawing for the best texture.

What pairs well with lemon cookies?

Serve with tea, coffee, or a light dessert wine for a perfect pairing.

Conclusion

Glazed lemon cookies are a delightful treat that combines a soft, buttery texture with a bright and zesty flavor. Whether you’re making them for a party, a gift, or just to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to please. Try them today and savor the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus!

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Glazed Lemon Cookies

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These Glazed Lemon Cookies are soft, zesty, and topped with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for springtime treats or anytime you’re craving something light and citrusy. With a delightful balance of sweet and tart, they’re sure to brighten your day!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the cookies:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

 

  1. Prepare the dough:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
    • In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
    • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
  2. Chill the dough:
    • Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
  3. Shape and bake:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
    • Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
    • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake.
    • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. Make the glaze:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more lemon juice if needed.
  5. Glaze the cookies:
    • Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the glaze over each cookie. Let the glaze set before serving.

Notes

 

  • For a stronger lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough.
  • Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

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