Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Glazed Lemon Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. The cookies have a delicate crumb and are topped with a tangy-sweet lemon glaze that hardens to a perfect finish. These cookies are ideal for spring and summer gatherings, bake sales, or when you just need a zesty pick-me-up. Quick to make and irresistibly refreshing, they’ll quickly become a household favorite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

flour
unsalted butter
granulated sugar
eggs
fresh lemon juice
lemon zest
baking powder
salt
vanilla extract
confectioners’ sugar (for glaze)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by mixing confectioners’ sugar with a bit of lemon juice until smooth and pourable.

Once the cookies are fully cooled, drizzle or spread the lemon glaze on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Cooling and glazing time: 20 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Add poppy seeds to the dough for a lemon-poppy twist.
Swap lemon zest for orange zest for a citrus variation.
Dip one half of each cookie in white chocolate instead of glaze.
Make sandwich cookies by filling them with lemon curd.

storage/reheating

Store glazed lemon cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for up to 10 days for longer freshness.
Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months and glaze after thawing.
To refresh cookies, warm slightly in the microwave for 5-8 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Why is my glaze too runny?

Add more confectioners’ sugar a little at a time to thicken it.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Do these cookies stay soft?

Yes, they stay soft and chewy thanks to the butter and sugar ratio.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, but the glaze adds a lovely tart-sweet finish.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just scale ingredients evenly for a bigger batch.

What type of flour should I use?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe.

Can I add food coloring?

A drop of yellow food coloring can enhance the lemony look if desired.

Are these cookies very lemony?

Yes, the zest and juice pack a strong, natural lemon punch.

Can kids help make these?

Definitely! It’s a simple, kid-friendly recipe with fun glazing at the end.

Conclusion

Easy Glazed Lemon Cookies bring together bright citrus flavor and a soft texture in one irresistible bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to a sunny snack, these cookies are simple to make and sure to impress. With a fresh lemon glaze and melt-in-your-mouth finish, they’ll be your go-to for any lemon lover.