Name: Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups (286 grams) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 2 sticks (227 grams) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature; 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon zest, from about 3 medium lemons; 1 large egg, at cool room temperature; 1 ½ cups (189 grams) powdered sugar, sifted; 2 to 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; Additional lemon zest, to garnish, if desired

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If you have a soft spot for bright, buttery treats that melt in your mouth, then this Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. These cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, offering a tender crumb infused with fresh lemon zest, all topped with a shiny, sweet lemon glaze. What makes this recipe truly special is how straightforward it is—no chilling required and incredibly simple ingredients come together quickly to bake up a batch of irresistible cookies that will brighten any afternoon tea or snack time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up view of soft, light beige dough with a crumbly but cohesive texture, sitting in a clear glass bowl with patterns on the inside. There is a spatula with a wooden handle and a gray silicone blade partially buried in the dough, which looks thick and slightly grainy. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. The dough forms uneven mounds and ridges, showing a slightly dry consistency with visible small clumps. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating those soft, flavorful lemon cookies you’ll love. From the creamy butter lending richness to the fresh lemon zest with its vibrant citrus punch, every component is essential to achieving the perfect texture and taste.

All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): Provides the structure and crumb for the cookies, ensuring they stay soft yet hold together.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Adds just enough lift so the cookies have a gentle rise without becoming cakey.
Fine sea salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the lemon.
Unsalted butter (2 sticks, room temperature): Gives the cookies their buttery softness and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the dough while helping to create a tender bite and slight caramelization.
Lemon zest (2 tablespoons): Packs a fresh citrusy aroma that’s the soul of this cookie’s flavor.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds ingredients together while contributing to the cookie’s soft texture.
Powdered sugar (1 ½ cups, sifted): The base for the glaze, adding sweetness with a smooth finish.
Fresh lemon juice (2 to 4 tablespoons): Gives the glaze its tart brightness and perfect pourable consistency.
Additional lemon zest (optional): A pretty garnish that boosts the visual appeal and lemon flavor.

How to Make Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This sets you up for easy cleanup and prevents the cookies from sticking, ensuring a smooth baking experience.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt in a small bowl. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening and salt, making sure every bite tastes consistent and delicious.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat the butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until the mixture turns light and fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is where the magic begins, as aerating the butter and sugar creates the foundation for soft, tender cookies packed with bright lemon flavor.

Step 4: Add the Egg

Beat in the egg until it’s fully combined, about one minute. The egg adds moisture and binds everything together, ensuring your cookies hold their shape while staying soft.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing just until combined. The dough will appear slightly dry, but that’s exactly how you want it to be for the perfect texture.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Using a medium spring-loaded cookie scoop, drop 1 ½-tablespoon sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Then, roll each ball between your palms and gently flatten it with your palm to about 1/3-inch thickness. This step creates evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes until they are just set and slightly golden around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling time helps the cookies hold their shape and texture perfectly.

Step 8: Make the Lemon Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk the sifted powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice, adding juice by the tablespoon until you create a thick but pourable glaze. Spoon the glaze generously over each cooled cookie. If you like, sprinkle extra lemon zest on top for a pretty, fragrant finishing touch. Allow the glaze to set for at least 30 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe

A close-up of a single cookie with a bite taken out of it, showing a soft, crumbly inside that is light golden brown. It has one thick layer of smooth white icing spread evenly on top, with small pieces of yellow lemon zest scattered over the icing. The cookie rests on a white marbled surface, with a blurred cookie and a white bowl in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of additional lemon zest adds an eye-catching pop of color and intensifies the citrus aroma. If you want to get whimsical, a tiny edible flower or a sprinkle of finely chopped candied lemon peel would make gorgeous garnishes.

Side Dishes

Glazed lemon cookies are fabulous with a light beverage like iced green tea or a crisp sparkling water with a lemon wedge. For a cozy twist, serve alongside a warm cup of chamomile or Earl Grey tea for an afternoon pick-me-up that feels like sunshine on a plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a bright, patterned plate or a rustic wooden board to highlight their sunny yellow tones. You can also stack a few tied with a delicate ribbon to create an inviting gift or party favor. Showcasing them this way turns the simple lemon cookie into a delightful centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe tasting fresh and soft, store them in a shallow airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If the glaze becomes slightly sticky, a gentle chilling for 10 minutes can help firm it back up.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and moving them to a sealed freezer bag after they freeze solid. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, you can freeze fully baked and glazed cookies separated by parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy warm cookies, gently reheat them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes or until softly warmed through. Avoid the microwave to prevent melting the glaze too much and losing that lovely texture contrast.

FAQs

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon zest and juice?

While lemon extract can provide some lemon flavor, it lacks the brightness and fresh citrus oils that zest and juice bring. For the best, freshest taste, it’s recommended to use fresh lemons for both the dough and glaze when making this Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling is necessary here! This recipe is designed so you can bake the cookies right after mixing, making it quick and easy for last-minute baking.

What is the texture of these cookies like?

These Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe yield soft, tender cookies with a slight chew and a buttery crumb. The glaze adds a smooth, sweetly tart finish that complements their delicate texture.

Can I substitute gluten-free flour?

You can try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly. It’s best to choose a blend designed for baking cookies to maintain the right softness and crumb.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for cookies that are just set in the center with edges beginning to turn pale golden brown. They might look a little soft but will firm up as they cool.

Final Thoughts

This Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe is the perfect little burst of sunshine when you want a treat that’s bright, buttery, and absolutely satisfying. Straightforward to make and wonderfully flavorful, these cookies are sure to become a beloved staple in your baking rotation. Don’t hesitate to give them a try and enjoy every sweet, lemony bite!