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Introduction

There’s something undeniably magical about the burst of sunshine in a cookie, and that’s exactly how I stumbled upon this delightful recipe for Glazed Lemon Cookies. One summer afternoon, my daughter and I decided to experiment in the kitchen, chasing the last rays of the sun with something bright and cheerful. The sweet-tart aroma of fresh lemons filled the air while we giggled over spilled flour and butter. The end result was not just a treat but a cherished experience that became a family tradition. These cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a slice of nostalgia, embodying the joy of carefree afternoons spent baking together. Each bite is a reminder of those sweet summer days, and honestly, what could be more special than that?

What Makes This Recipe Special

These Glazed Lemon Cookies are a delicious blend of sweetness and tanginess, making them an irresistible treat. They are quick to prepare and sure to impress perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or just to brighten your day. With their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture coated in a glossy lemon glaze, these cookies not only taste divine but also look beautiful on any dessert table. They offer the perfect balance, featuring a zesty lemon flavor without being overly sweet. Plus, they’re a healthier option compared to many store-bought cookies, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Everyone who tries them finds it hard to resist going back for seconds, and I assure you, you’ll be hooked after just one!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Fresh, high-quality lemons are essential for the best flavor. You can also substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a slight twist. Ensure the butter is softened for a smooth dough that’s easy to work with.

Step-by-Step Guide

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light in color, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Egg and Flavoring: Beat in the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully incorporated.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Scoop the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or two spoons to drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the tops, allowing it to set for a few minutes before serving.

The cookies should have a lightly golden edge while still being soft in the center. Letting them cool slightly before glazing will give you that perfect finish!

Tips & Recipe Variations

Zest it Up: For an extra lemony flavor, add more zest to the cookie mixture or glaze.
Herbal Infusion: Consider adding a teaspoon of fresh thyme or rosemary to the dough for a unique twist.
Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.
Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, place the cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer bag; they last up to three months.

How to Serve

These Glazed Lemon Cookies are delightful on their own but can also be served with an assortment of light accompaniments. Pair them with:

A refreshing cup of iced tea or lemonade to enhance their citrusy flavor.
Accompany with fresh berries or a light fruit salad for a balanced dessert.
Serve them on a lovely cake stand, dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with lemon slices for an eye-catching presentation.

These cookies are approximately 100 calories each, making them a perfect sweet treat without going overboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The cookie dough can be prepared and chilled in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Just ensure they’re layered carefully in an airtight container or freezer bag.

What can I use instead of butter?

You can try using a plant-based butter substitute or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help them retain their shape.

Can I make this vegetarian or dairy-free?

Yes, use a plant-based butter alternative and ensure any chocolate used in variations is dairy-free.

Conclusion

The joy of baking these Glazed Lemon Cookies transcends the kitchen; it unfolds delightful moments with loved ones and creates memories that linger long after the cookies are gone. They remind us of simple pleasures and the happiness that can be found in sharing sweet treats. I invite you to try this recipe and experience the warmth and love it brings to your table. Don’t forget to share your results, let me know how they turn out, and join the tradition of baking that these cookies inspire!

“These cookies took me right back to sunny days in my childhood. The lemon flavor was bright, and I couldn’t stop at just one!”

Glazed Lemon Cookies

Delightful cookies with a sweet-tart lemon flavor, perfect for family gatherings or a sunny treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 12

Total Time 32

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 100

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure the butter is softened for easy mixing.
1 cup granulated sugar Can be substituted with coconut sugar for a twist.
1 large egg
2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons) Fresh zest is essential for the best flavor.
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2.5 cups all-purpose flour Can be substituted with a gluten-free baking blend.
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
0.25 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Method

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light in color, about 3-4 minutes.
Beat in the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Use a cookie scoop or two spoons to drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Baking

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Glazing

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the tops, allowing it to set for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For an extra lemony flavor, add more zest to the cookie mixture or glaze. You can freeze the cookies for up to three months. It's advisable to chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies retain their shape.