Cookies are such a regular thing at my place, I might as well set up a little cookie shop right in my kitchen! While sugar cookies and butter cookies are the classic favorites, my kids love it when I switch things up with a batch of bright and zesty glazed lemon cookies.
So, what’s the secret behind the lemon cookies recipe that makes them so irresistible? Well, it’s all in that zesty punch of fresh lemon- way brighter and more refreshing than the creamy or sugary taste of the usual cookies!
Along with the fresh lemon juice goes the lemon zest, full of aromatic oils that add a punchy, citrusy flavor to every bite. When the baking stuff is done and the cookies have cooled off completely, a generous drizzle of lemon glaze is slapped on, giving them that perfect finish. From sneaky midnight snacks to grab-and-go breakfast options, these homemade lemon cookies are the perfect little treat to manage cravings anytime, anywhere!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A zesty kick that wakes you up!
- Soft and chewy with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Quick and easy to prepare.
- A sweet treat that’s not too heavy.
- Make-ahead friendly and no fancy equipment needed.
Switch Up Your Lemon Cookies Look and Flavor!
If plain lemon cookies aren’t your thing, no worries. I have got plenty of delicious combos that will totally switch up how they will taste and even how they look!
Herb Lemon Cookies
Want your cookies to have a fresh, earthy flavor that balances out the tanginess? Let herbs like rosemary and thyme do the trick by mixing 2 tablespoons into the dough for a subtle aromatic twist!
Chocolate-Dipped Lemon Cookies
Bring new flavors to your lemon cookies by dipping half of each into melted dark or white chocolate. Let the cookies sit for a creamy, sweet treat!
Spiced Lemon Cookies
Turn your tangy cookies into warm and spicy ones with a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, or a sprinkle of ground ginger.
Jam-Filled Lemon Cookies
Got some raspberry jam or lemon curd on the counter? Scoop a small spoonful into the center of each dough ball before baking for a sweet, delicious breakfast treat.
Sprinkled Lemon Cookies
Cover your dough balls with colorful sanding sugar before baking for a fun and crunchy lemon cookie experience!
Lemon Sandwich Cookies
Spread a generous layer of lemon glaze, lemon curd or cream cheese frosting between two lemon cookies and gently press together. Enjoy a delicious cookie sandwich that’s perfect for sharing.
Tips For Baking The Perfect Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe
First time baking lemon cookies? Don’t worry, with these pro tips on your side, you will bake the most delicious and soft cookies every time!
- Let the butter come to room temperature for easy mixing. Also, be sure to use an egg at room temperature.
- Once the dough forms, taste it to adjust the lemon or sugar to your liking.
- To keep the cookies soft and creamy, mix the batter until just combined.
- Use parchment paper on the baking tray to prevent sticking.
- Cool the cookies completely before adding the lemon glaze. Otherwise, it will melt and slide right off instead of setting properly.
Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 & ½ cups / 190 g All-Purpose Flour
- ¼ tsp / 1 g Baking Powder
- ¼ tsp / 1 g Baking Soda
- ⅛ tsp / 0.75 g Salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup / 115 g Unsalted Butter (Softened)
- ¾ cup / 150 g Granulated Sugar
- 2 tbsp / 12 g Lemon Zest
- 1 large Egg (Room Temperature)
- 1 tbsp / 15 ml Lemon Juice
For The Lemon Glaze
- ½ cup / 60 g Powdered Sugar
- 1-2 tbsp / 15 ml Lemon Juice
Instructions
Sift The Dry Ingredients
- Grab a mixing bowl and place a strainer on top.
- Add all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the strainer.
- Sift all the dry ingredients into the mixing bowl and use a whisk to mix them thoroughly. Set the bowl aside.
Prepare The Wet Mixture
- In a separate mixing bowl, add unsalted, softened butter, sugar, and lemon zest.
- Beat all the ingredients together using an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.
- Crack the egg into the mixing bowl and beat until combined.
- Stir in lemon juice and beat again until the mixture becomes smooth.
Combine and Shape The Cookies
- Add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture.
- Use a spatula to mix gently until the cookie dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Bake and Cool
- Take the chilled dough out of the refrigerator and use a cookie scoop to scoop even portions of dough.
- Roll each portion into a smooth ball using your palms and place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking tray. Leave enough spaces between the balls for spreading.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking tray.
Glaze The Cookies, Serve, and Enjoy!
- In a small mixing bowl, add powdered sugar and lemon juice.
- Whisk the mixture until it becomes a smooth lemon glaze and spoon a bit of glaze on top of each cookie.
- Sprinkle a little lemon zest over the glaze for a burst of flavor.
- Enjoy the creamy, zesty lemon cookies that melt in your mouth with every bite!
Amazing how a simple lemon can turn out to be so powerful, right? That fresh squeeze of juice and pop of lemon zest changes the whole vibe of the cookies completely! These aren’t your average sugar cookies anymore- they have got zesty flavors that cut through the sweetness and make them taste fresh, bright, and full of tangy deliciousness in every bite.
Want to set a cozy tone but have no candles? Bake the easy lemon cookies instead! The citrusy scent of freshly baked lemon cookies is so irresistible that it makes your home feel warm and welcoming without any expensive candles.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Bottled Lemon Juice For This Recipe?
Technically, you can. But I would strongly recommend fresh lemon juice for its vibrant flavor and natural aroma.
How Long Do The Lemon Cookies Last?
Lemon cookies last for up to 5 days at room temperature and 1 week in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.
Why Are My Lemon Cookies Dry?
Cookies can get dry if overbaked or if there’s too much flour in the dough. Bake until the edges are golden, and measure the flour accurately for soft and delicious cookies.
Can I Make Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can use almond flour, oat flour, or quinoa flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour to make the perfect cookies.
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