Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Glazed Lemon Cookies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy texture and bright citrus flavor, topped with a sweet, tangy glaze that melts in your mouth. They are simple to make, bursting with fresh lemon, and ideal for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or anytime you need a refreshing treat.

ingredients

Easy Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe (Soft and Chewy)

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

all-purpose flourbaking powdersaltunsalted buttergranulated sugarsugar for rollingeggfresh lemon juicelemon zestvanilla extractconfectioners’ sugarmilk

directions

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

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

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

Beat in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in sugar.

Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

In a small bowl, mix the confectioners’ sugar with a little milk and lemon juice to create a smooth glaze.

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 8-10 minutesCooling and glazing time: 20 minutesTotal time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add poppy seeds to the dough for a lemon-poppy twist.

Use Meyer lemons for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Top the glaze with extra lemon zest for a burst of color and flavor.

Substitute half of the butter with cream cheese for an even softer texture.

storage/reheating

Store glazed lemon cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.They can be refrigerated for up to 7 days or frozen for up to 2 months.Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature and enjoy as-is or lightly warm them in the microwave for 5-7 seconds.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze the cookies after glazing?

Yes, but it’s better to freeze them without the glaze and add it fresh after thawing.

Why are my cookies too hard?

Overbaking can cause the cookies to become too firm—watch them closely and remove when edges are just set.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

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

How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Add more confectioners’ sugar to thicken or more milk/lemon juice to thin out the glaze.

Can I add food coloring to the glaze?

Yes, a drop of yellow food coloring can make the glaze look even more vibrant.

Are these cookies very sweet?

They are moderately sweet with a bright, tangy balance from the lemon.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

Use a microplane or fine grater, being careful to only remove the yellow part, not the bitter white pith.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend should work, but texture may vary slightly.

Is it necessary to roll the dough in sugar?

Rolling adds a lovely crunch and sparkle, but you can skip it if you prefer.

Conclusion

Easy Glazed Lemon Cookies bring a sunny burst of lemon flavor and irresistible chewiness to every bite. They’re quick to prepare, beautiful to present, and loved by all ages. Whether for a casual snack or a festive table, these cookies will brighten any occasion with their sweet, citrusy charm.