Description
Glazed Lemon Cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. These delightful cookies feature a tender texture with a bright citrus zest in every bite, topped with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze that hardens to a delicate finish. Perfect for a refreshing treat, these cookies come together quickly using simple pantry ingredients without the need for chilling the dough.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 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
For the glaze:
- 1 ½ cups (189 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 to 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Additional lemon zest, to garnish, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. This will evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter, Sugar, and Zest: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer with the paddle attachment to beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest on medium speed. Continue mixing until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, about 3 to 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add Egg: Beat in the large egg until fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Make sure to scrape down the bowl to mix any stuck ingredients.
- Combine Flour Mixture: On low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture. Mix just until incorporated. The dough will be slightly dry at this stage.
- Shape Cookies: Using a medium spring-loaded cookie scoop (approximately 1 ½ tablespoons), drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Roll each dough ball gently between your palms, then flatten them to about 1/3-inch thickness using your palm.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes or until they are just set and lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice gradually, adding lemon juice tablespoon by tablespoon until you achieve a thick but pourable glaze.
- Glaze and Garnish: Spoon the lemon glaze over each cooled cookie. Sprinkle additional lemon zest on top if desired. Allow the glaze to set for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Storage: Store glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Dough does not require chilling, making this recipe quick and easy.
- Ensure butter and eggs are at cool room temperature for proper mixing.
- Adjust lemon juice in the glaze to your preferred consistency and tartness.
- Cookies are best enjoyed within 3 days for optimal freshness.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest to the cookie dough or glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
