Name: Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 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 (optional)

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If you adore bright, zesty flavors wrapped in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, this Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Each cookie bursts with fresh lemon zest and is topped with a shiny, tangy glaze that perfectly balances sweetness and citrus punch. They’re delightful little bites that feel both light and indulgent, making them perfect for afternoon tea, gatherings, or whenever you need a cheerful pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try this Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl holds a thick, creamy pale yellow dough with a smooth, slightly fluffy texture. A gray spoon stands inside the bowl, partially submerged in the dough with some dough clinging to it. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. At the top left of the image, there are three bright yellow lemons, and at the bottom left corner, part of a blue cloth is visible. The overall scene is well lit, showing soft shadows and natural colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, classic ingredients that work together harmoniously. Each one plays a crucial role: from the creamy butter giving richness, to the lemon zest offering a fresh citrus aroma, and the powdered sugar glaze adding that irresistible glossy finish and sweet-tart contrast.

All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups / 286 grams): The sturdy base that gives your cookies structure with just the right tenderness.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): A little lift to keep your cookies light and airy instead of dense.
Fine sea salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Unsalted butter (2 sticks / 227 grams): Softened to cool room temperature, it creates a rich, smooth dough and helps the cookies stay soft.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup / 150 grams): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with the tender crumb.
Fresh lemon zest (2 tablespoons, about 3 medium lemons): The star of the show, giving bright citrus notes that infuse every bite.
Large egg (1, cool room temperature): Binds everything together, adding moisture and a bit of richness.
Powdered sugar (1 ½ cups / 189 grams), sifted: Used in the glaze for a smooth, sweet topping that hardens just right.
Fresh lemon juice (2 to 4 tablespoons): Mixed into the glaze, it provides just the right tartness and makes the glaze pourable.
Additional lemon zest (optional garnish): For a pop of color and extra lemon fragrance when serving.

How to Make Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; this ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning throughout your cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Lemon Zest

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and fresh lemon zest using an electric mixer with the paddle attachment. Whip until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and aromatic—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is important; the air you incorporate here will help build the perfect cookie texture.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Incorporate Flour

Crack in the egg and beat for another minute until fully combined and smooth. Then, reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually blend in the dry ingredients. The dough will feel slightly dry—that’s exactly what you want for these tender cookies.

Step 4: Shape and Flatten the Cookies

Using a medium spring-loaded cookie scoop, portion out 1 ½-tablespoon balls of dough and drop them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Roll each ball gently between your palms, then press down lightly to flatten to roughly 1/3-inch thickness. This helps them bake evenly and creates that classic glaze-ready surface.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden at the Edges

Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes or until they’re just set and have a delicate golden tint around the edges. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely—this ensures the cookies set properly and don’t break when glazing.

Step 6: Make the Lemony Glaze

In a medium bowl, slowly whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice, adding the juice a tablespoon at a time, until you get a thick but pourable glaze. Spoon the glaze carefully over each cooled cookie, creating a glossy, tantalizing top. If you like, sprinkle a little extra lemon zest over the glaze for that extra zing. Let them rest for at least 30 minutes so the glaze hardens perfectly.

How to Serve Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe

A close-up view of a soft cookie with one bite taken out of its front, showing a light golden brown crumb inside. The cookie is topped with a smooth, thick white icing layer that spreads evenly across the top, decorated with small yellow lemon zest bits scattered lightly on the surface. The cookie rests on a white marbled texture, with some cookie crumbs nearby and another cookie blurred out in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a fresh lemon zest sprinkle bursts with color and aroma, making each cookie more inviting. You can also try tiny edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate touch—small details that really brighten the presentation.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of aromatic green tea or chamomile, which balance the citrus’s brightness without overpowering it. For an indulgent twist, serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to contrast the zesty glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap the cookies in parchment paper tied with a yellow ribbon for gifting or arrange them in a pretty tin lined with wax paper for a charming homemade treat. You can even stack them with parchment layers to create a dazzling cookie tower centerpiece for your next party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Glazed Lemon Cookies stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them stacked with a layer of parchment or wax paper in between to preserve their delicate glaze and prevent sticking.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze the glaze separately or prepare fresh when you’re ready to serve. Thaw cookies at room temperature before glazing, ensuring the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since these cookies are best enjoyed with their glaze set, avoid microwaving once glazed to prevent melting. If desired, warm unglazed cookies briefly in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes to refresh their softness before adding the glaze.

FAQs

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

While lemon extract can provide flavor, fresh lemon zest and juice offer a brighter, more natural citrus note that’s key to this recipe’s signature taste. Using fresh ingredients really elevates the overall flavor and aroma of these cookies.

What is the texture of these Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe like?

These cookies are tender and slightly crumbly with a light crispness around the edges. The glaze adds a delicate crunch as it sets, perfectly complementing the soft cookie beneath.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape the cookies, and refrigerate the trays covered for up to 24 hours before baking. This can help the flavors develop even more and make baking day quicker.

What if the glaze is too runny or too thick?

If the glaze is too runny, gradually add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it. If it’s too thick, stir in more lemon juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.

Are these cookies allergen-friendly?

This recipe contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. For allergy-friendly versions, you’d need to substitute with alternatives—though that will change the texture and flavor significantly.

Final Thoughts

This Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe is a joyful celebration of fresh lemon flavor and buttery goodness wrapped in a sweet, glossy glaze. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or yourself, these cookies are bound to bring smiles and warm moments. So go ahead—give this recipe a whirl and let your kitchen fill with the uplifting scent of lemony bliss!

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