Glazed lemon cookies that will brighten your day!

July 27, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a cookie that sings with sunshine, you’ve got to try my glazed lemon cookies! These little gems are bursting with refreshing citrus flavor that just makes you feel all warm and happy inside. I remember the first time I baked them; it was a bright spring day, and I had friends over for tea. The moment I pulled those cookies from the oven, the sweet, zesty aroma filled the kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. Trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “lemon zest”! Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, or just want to brighten up your day, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. So, let’s get baking and fill our homes with that delightful lemony goodness!

glazed lemon cookies - detail 1

Ingredients List

To make these delightful glazed lemon cookies, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Don’t worry; nothing fancy here! Just good, honest baking staples that come together to create that zesty flavor we all love. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest (that’s the bright yellow part of the lemon peel!)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar (for that sweet glaze)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (for the glaze, adjust to your taste)

That’s it! With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to baking a batch of cookies that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.

How to Prepare Glazed Lemon Cookies

Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—baking these delicious glazed lemon cookies! The process is super straightforward, but I promise you’ll want to follow along closely to capture that bright, zesty flavor. First, we’ll start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because we want those cookies to bake perfectly and rise just right!

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You’ll want to make sure it’s well combined—trust me, it makes a difference!
Next, add in the egg, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix everything together until smooth. You’ll love the smell at this point; it’s like sunshine in a bowl!
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is key to ensure even distribution of the baking powder, so don’t skip it!
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. I like to do this in two or three additions, folding gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until you see no dry flour.
Now, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a little rustic charm is part of their appeal!
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they’re lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them—they can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly!
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up nicely!
While they’re cooling, let’s whip up the glaze! In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar with the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Adjust the lemon juice to get that perfect drizzling consistency—if it’s too thick, add a touch more lemon juice!
Finally, drizzle that delicious glaze over your cooled cookies and let it set for a few minutes before diving in.

And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of glazed lemon cookies that are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can whip up these cookies in no time! Perfect for when you have that sudden craving or last-minute guests.
Easy Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already! No need for specialty items—just good old-fashioned baking staples.
Delightful Flavor: The bright, zesty lemon flavor in every bite is like a burst of sunshine! It’s refreshing and perfect for any time of year.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a picnic, or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in! They’re great for sharing or enjoying all by yourself.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love them! They’re fun to make together and even more fun to eat. Plus, the glaze adds a touch of sweetness that’s hard to resist!

Tips for Success

Alright, my fellow bakers, let’s ensure those glazed lemon cookies turn out perfectly every single time! Here are my top tips that I swear by:

Chill the Dough: If you find the dough a bit too sticky to handle, don’t hesitate to chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking!
Measure Flour Correctly: When measuring your flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This will prevent your cookies from turning out dense. Trust me, a light hand goes a long way!
Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is a little different, so start checking your cookies a minute or two early. You want them to be lightly golden but not too brown. They’ll continue to cook a bit after you pull them out!
Adjust Glaze Consistency: When making the glaze, don’t be afraid to tweak the lemon juice. If it’s too thick, add a splash more lemon juice or water; if it’s too thin, sprinkle in a bit more powdered sugar until you reach that perfect drizzle!
Experiment with Zest: For an extra lemony punch, feel free to add a bit more lemon zest than the recipe calls for. It’ll give your cookies an even brighter flavor!

With these tips, you’re all set to create the most delicious glazed lemon cookies that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Happy baking!

Variations

Now, let’s talk about ways to mix things up with these glazed lemon cookies! I love that this recipe is super versatile and can easily be customized to suit your taste buds or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to try:

Poppy Seed Delight: For a beautiful twist, add 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the dough. It gives a lovely texture and pairs perfectly with the lemon flavor!
Lime Zing: If you’re feeling adventurous, switch out the lemon for lime! Use 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice and the zest from one lime for a refreshing change.
Berry Glaze: Instead of a traditional lemon glaze, try mixing in some pureed raspberries or strawberries into your powdered sugar glaze. This will add a pop of color and fruity sweetness!
Coconut Twist: Stir in 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical vibe. You can even top them with a coconut glaze for an extra coconut kick!
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cooled cookies instead of a lemon glaze for a decadent treat. The combination of chocolate and lemon is surprisingly delightful!

Feel free to experiment with these variations, or come up with your own! The sky’s the limit when it comes to creating your perfect glazed lemon cookies! Have fun and happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s make sure those delicious glazed lemon cookies stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Once they’re completely cooled, the best way to store them is in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and prevents them from drying out. I usually stack them with a piece of parchment paper in between each layer to keep the glaze intact—nobody wants a sticky mess!

These cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for about 5 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can pop them in the fridge, and they’ll last up to a week. Just be sure to let them come back to room temperature before you dive in because, trust me, that lemony flavor shines brightest when they’re at their best!

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, I know!), you can also freeze them. Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. No reheating needed—just enjoy that refreshing bite of lemon goodness!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into these delightful glazed lemon cookies! Keep in mind that these values are approximate and might vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. But here’s a breakdown to give you an idea of what you’re enjoying:

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 17g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Total Sugars: 10g
Protein: 1g

So there you have it! These cookies are a delightful treat that won’t completely derail your day, and they bring that happy lemon flavor to the table. Enjoy them in moderation, and share them with friends for a sweet moment of joy!

FAQ Section

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free glazed lemon cookies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. This will help mimic the structure of regular flour and keep your cookies deliciously soft and chewy!

How do I achieve the perfect glaze consistency?
Great question! The key is to start with the right ratio of powdered sugar to lemon juice. If your glaze is too thick, add a little more lemon juice, a teaspoon at a time, until it’s drizzling consistency. If it’s too thin, just whisk in a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired thickness!

How can I make these cookies ahead of time?
You can definitely make these cookies ahead! I recommend baking them and letting them cool completely, then storing them in an airtight container. You can glaze them the day you plan to serve them for the freshest taste. If you want to freeze them, wrap each cookie in plastic wrap, and they’ll last up to 2 months!

Can I add mix-ins to the dough?
Oh, for sure! Feel free to get creative! Chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit can all be delightful additions. Just keep in mind that if you add too many mix-ins, it may alter the texture slightly, so stick to about 1/2 cup of add-ins for the best results.

What’s the best way to store the cookies?
To keep your glazed lemon cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge, but make sure to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.