If you’re searching for the perfect balance between tangy and sweet, look no further than this Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a subtle crispness on the outside, bursting with bright lemon flavor thanks to fresh juice and zest. The crowning glory is the shiny, sweet lemon glaze that adds just the right amount of zing and sparkle to every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a citrusy indulgence, these cookies are bound to become a household favorite in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are two white bowls filled with white flour and powdered sugar, a smaller glass bowl with clear liquid, two sticks of butter wrapped in paper labeled

This Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe uses a small but mighty lineup of ingredients that each play a key role in creating that irresistible texture and vibrant flavor. From the rich, softened butter that keeps things tender to the fresh lemon zest that provides a lively citrus punch, every element is essential for the perfect cookie experience.

1 cup salted butter, softened: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
3/4 cup granulated sugar + extra for cookie tops: Sweetens and helps form a slight crunch on the cookie surface.
1 large egg: Binds all ingredients together and adds moisture.
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice: Brings natural citrus brightness and subtle tang.
1 Tablespoon lemon zest: Intensifies lemon flavor with aromatic oils.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Balances the lemon with warm, sweet notes.
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of your cookies.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates the sweet, smooth coating.
1 Tablespoon lemon zest (for glaze): Gives the glaze a fresh and fragrant lemon kick.
2-3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze): Ensures the glaze is perfectly tangy and drizzle-able.

How to Make Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Then, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes using a mixer. This step is crucial because it creates a tender cookie with a delicate crumb. Next, mix in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, beating everything until creamy and well combined. The fresh lemon juice and zest here really start to announce themselves, setting the stage for those bright flavors we love.

Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix here to keep the cookies tender and soft after baking.

Step 3: Shape and Flatten the Cookies

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions to ensure uniform cookies. Rolling each portion into a ball, place them spaced evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Now the fun part: to get that perfect shape and texture, dampen the bottom of a glass with water and dip it in granulated sugar—a nifty trick that prevents sticking and adds a subtle crunch on top. Use the sugar-coated glass bottom to gently press each cookie into rounds about 3 inches in diameter, making sure they’re not too thin. This pressing helps them bake evenly since the dough itself does not spread much.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the cookie tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges look just set. It’s important to catch them at this stage so they stay tender inside with a lovely hint of crispness outside. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make and Apply the Lemon Glaze

While your cookies cool, mix the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and enough fresh lemon juice to achieve a lightly runny glaze—the kind that drizzles off your spoon slowly but doesn’t run off too fast. This glaze is the magic finishing touch that elevates the cookies. Transfer the glaze into a resealable plastic bag, snip a tiny corner, and drizzle over the cookies in a zigzag pattern, letting some glaze drip enticingly over the edges. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving to enjoy that glossy, tart-sweet coating.

How to Serve Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe

Nine round cookies are arranged on a metal cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a light golden color and is topped with a thin, shiny white glaze that drips slightly down the sides. The glaze has a soft texture with small specks of yellow zest. Three of the cookies are decorated with a small, triangular lemon slice placed on top near the center. Around the cooling rack, whole yellow lemons and lemon wedges add vibrant color to the scene. A white cloth with a black grid pattern is partially visible in the top left corner. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe pop visually and flavor-wise, try adding tiny sprigs of fresh thyme or edible flowers on top for a charming natural touch. A little extra lemon zest sprinkled over the glaze right before it sets will also highlight the citrus brightness beautifully.

Side Dishes

These lemon cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea—Earl Grey or green tea complement the zesty flavors excellently. For a refreshing contrast, serve them alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a small bowl of mixed berries to balance the sweetness with some fresh fruit tartness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a party or simply want to impress, stack the glazed lemon cookies on a tiered serving platter interspersed with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves. For a fun twist, sandwich a tangy lemon curd between two cookies for a delightful lemon cookie sandwich experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay deliciously tender for up to 3 days, though they’re best enjoyed within the first 24 hours to experience that freshly baked softness.

Freezing

If you want to save these cookies for a longer time, you can freeze them—preferably without the glaze first. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, thaw at room temperature and then add your lemon glaze fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Gently warming the cookies in a low oven (around 300°F for 5 minutes) will revive their softness and bring back that just-baked aroma. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture rubbery or dry out the delicate glaze.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can use unsalted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to add a pinch more salt to balance the flavors since this recipe relies on the salted butter for seasoning.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons for zest and juice?

Fresh lemon zest and juice are key for the bright, fresh flavor in these cookies. However, if fresh lemons aren’t available, you could use bottled lemon juice sparingly and substitute lemon extract for zest, but the taste won’t be quite as vibrant.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture might slightly differ, but the lemon flavor and glaze will stay just as delightful.

How thick should the lemon glaze be?

The glaze should be just runny enough to drizzle smoothly but thick enough to hold some shape on the cookies without completely soaking in. Think of a consistency that slowly drips off a spoon rather than pouring like water.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, doubling the recipe is straightforward—just double all ingredients and bake in batches. Be mindful to space your cookies well on the baking sheets and adjust baking times slightly if needed.

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t go wrong with this Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe. Every bite captures that perfect dance of buttery richness and lively citrus sparkle, topped with a glaze that’s simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try and bring a little sunshine into your kitchen—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will brighten up any day!