Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Glazed Lemon Cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with bright lemon flavor, topped with a simple sweet-tart glaze that melts in your mouth. These zesty cookies are perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or any time you crave a light and citrusy treat.

ingredients

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

for the cookies
unsalted butter softenedgranulated sugaregglargelemon zestlemon juicevanilla extractall-purpose flourbaking powdersalt

for the glaze
powdered sugarsiftedlemon juicelemon zestoptional: milk or water for thinning

directions

Make the cookies:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

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

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

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

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.

Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place on baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.

Cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.

Make the glaze:
Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add lemon zest for extra flavor.

Drizzle or dip each cooled cookie in the glaze. Let set for 10–15 minutes.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 10–12 minutesGlazing time: 10–15 minutesTotal time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

Add poppy seeds for a lemon-poppy twist.

Use orange or lime zest for a citrus variation.

Dip in white chocolate before glazing for added sweetness.

Add a touch of almond extract to the dough for extra depth.

Top with crushed freeze-dried raspberries or sprinkles for decoration.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months; glaze after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice and zest are best for flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.

How do I make them softer?

Do not overbake—pull them from the oven when the edges are just golden.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, but it adds a delicious tangy-sweet finish.

Can I make the dough ahead?

Yes, chill for up to 2 days or freeze the dough for longer storage.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.

What flour is best?

All-purpose flour gives the perfect cookie texture.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Make sure your butter isn’t too soft and chill the dough if needed.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I color the glaze?

Yes, a drop of food coloring adds a festive touch.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Not necessary, but optional for slightly thicker cookies.

Conclusion

Easy Glazed Lemon Cookies are a delightful combination of soft, buttery texture and fresh, zesty flavor. With their simple prep and bright glaze, they’re the perfect citrusy treat to brighten any day. Bake a batch, and they’re sure to disappear fast!