Sweet & Zesty Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

Sweet memories dance around these delightful glazed lemon sugar cookies that bring zesty sunshine to every bite.

Childhood afternoons spent in grandma’s kitchen come rushing back with one crisp, lemony morsel.

Soft, buttery textures mingle with bright citrus notes that spark pure joy.

Unexpected bursts of tangy flavor create an irresistible treat perfect for afternoon tea or casual gatherings.

Each cookie carries a delicate glaze that glistens like sugared morning dew.

Whispers of fresh lemon zest peek through rich, tender crumbs that practically melt on your tongue.

You simply cannot resist these little drops of happiness waiting to brighten your day.

Why Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies Taste Like Spring

• Perfect for beginners with simple steps and minimal kitchen skills needed.
• Bright lemon notes create a refreshing twist on classic sugar cookies, delivering a tangy and sweet taste experience.
• Great for casual gatherings, weekend baking, afternoon tea, or family dessert nights with universal appeal for both kids and adults.
• Can be prepared in advance, stored easily, and glazed just before serving, making them convenient for busy home bakers wanting a delightful treat.

What Goes Into Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies

• Butter, Granulated Sugar: Provide the base of the cookie, creating a rich and sweet foundation.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the cookie.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Gives bright, fresh citrus flavor and enhances overall taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the flavor profile.

• All-Purpose Flour: Main structural component of the cookie.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Help cookies rise and balance flavor.

• Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Creates a tangy, sweet topping that adds shine and extra citrus kick.

How to Bake and Glaze Lemon Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350F. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Cookie Dough Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar

• Egg
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract

Blend thoroughly until ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Gradually fold dry mixture into wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 4: Shape Cookie Dough

Roll dough into small balls using about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with palm.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden and centers look set. Cookies should have slight firmness.

Step 6: Cool Cookies

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire cooling rack.

Step 7: Prepare Tangy Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Adjust consistency by adding more sugar or juice as needed.

Step 8: Finish with Glaze

Once cookies completely cool, drizzle or spoon glaze over tops. Allow glaze to set for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Tips for Getting Crisp Edges and Soft Centers

• Zest Up Your Technique: Use fresh, organic lemons for the most vibrant citrus flavor and brightest zest.
• Glaze Perfection: Let cookies cool completely before glazing to prevent the sugar from melting and ensure a clean, crisp finish.
• Storage Smarts: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture and flavor.
• Customize Your Treat: Swap lemon for orange or lime zest to create different flavor variations of these versatile sugar cookies.
• Texture Trick: Slightly underbake the cookies for a softer, chewier center that melts in your mouth.

Store Lemon Cookies to Keep Them Bright

• Store glazed cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent glaze from becoming sticky.
• Carefully place unglazed cookies in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before adding glaze.
• Leave cookies uncovered at room temperature for about 2 hours to allow glaze to completely set and harden. Consume within 2-3 days for best taste and texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 8-10 seconds to restore softness. Avoid overheating, which can make cookies dry or tough.

What to Sip with Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies

• Brew a light, refreshing lemon or chamomile tea that complements the cookie's bright citrus notes, enhancing the lemon's subtle tang and providing a delightful warm beverage.
• Scoop a small portion of smooth vanilla gelato alongside the cookies, creating a luxurious contrast between the crisp cookie texture and the rich, cool creaminess.
• Pour a chilled glass of light, bubbly prosecco that cuts through the cookie's sweetness and elevates the lemony glaze with its effervescent and slightly acidic profile.
• Garnish the plate with a small handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries, adding a burst of natural sweetness that harmonizes with the lemon's bright flavor and the cookie's delicate structure.

Lemon Sugar Cookie Variants to Try

Gluten-Free Citrus Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same soft texture and light consistency while maintaining the bright lemon flavor.

Low-Sugar Zesty Treats: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content without compromising the cookie’s delightful taste and texture.

Vegan Lemon Delicacies: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce, and choose plant-based powdered sugar for the glaze, creating a dairy-free and egg-free version of the classic cookie.

Almond Flour Sunshine Cookies: Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty undertone, adding extra protein and creating a slightly denser, more nutritious cookie with the same zingy lemon essence.

Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful lemon sugar cookies melt with zesty citrus charm, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Crisp edges and tender centers promise a delicious treat you’ll savor with each irresistible bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 ½ cups (310 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning:

• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
2. Create a creamy base by thoroughly blending butter and sugar until achieving a light, airy texture. Incorporate egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until ingredients harmonize completely.
3. Develop the dry foundation by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate vessel to ensure uniform distribution of leavening agents.
4. Gradually merge the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, gently folding until just combined to maintain a tender cookie texture.
5. Form uniform cookie portions by scooping and rolling dough into consistent balls, positioning them approximately two inches apart on prepared sheets. Delicately flatten each ball using your palm to create a uniform shape.
6. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden edges and set centers, indicating perfect doneness. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for five minutes to stabilize their structure.
7. Transfer cookies to a wire rack, enabling complete cooling and preventing potential moisture accumulation.
8. Craft a silky glaze by whisking powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until achieving a smooth consistency. Adjust thickness by incrementally adding powdered sugar or lemon juice.
9. Once cookies have reached room temperature, generously drizzle or spoon glaze across the surface, ensuring even coverage.
10. permit glaze to set for 15-20 minutes, allowing it to solidify and create a glossy, professional finish before serving.

Notes

• Zest lemons before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and minimize kitchen time.
• Use room temperature butter and egg for smoother, more even cookie texture.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense cookies with less delicate crumb.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 152
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg