A bright, zesty treat for citrus lovers
If you’re a fan of desserts that strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, these Glazed Lemon Cookies are about to become your new favorite. I first made them on a rainy afternoon when I was craving something light yet indulgent, and the fresh lemon aroma instantly lifted the mood in my kitchen.
These cookies are tender, buttery, and infused with vibrant citrus flavor. The sweet lemon glaze adds an extra layer of brightness, making every bite melt in your mouth. They’re ideal for afternoon tea, spring gatherings, or as a cheerful treat any time of year.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Fresh citrus flavor – Lemon zest and juice give a naturally bright taste.
- Perfect texture – Soft, buttery centers with a delicate glaze.
- Simple ingredients – All pantry staples you likely already have.
- Pretty presentation – The glaze gives them a bakery-style finish.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 100 g butter, room temperature
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the glaze:
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
1. Cream the butter and sugar
In a medium bowl, beat the butter with powdered sugar until light and creamy.
2. Add the egg
Mix in the egg until fully incorporated.
3. Add lemon flavor
Stir in the lemon zest and juice.
4. Incorporate the dry ingredients
Sift the flour and baking powder together, then add them to the mixture. Stir until a smooth dough forms.
5. Chill the dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
6. Prepare the oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Shape the cookies
Roll the dough into small balls, place them on the prepared sheet, and flatten slightly.
8. Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool completely
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.
10. Make the glaze
In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth.
11. Decorate
Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies, then let them set before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor—both zest and juice make a difference.
- Don’t overbake; the cookies should stay soft in the center.
- Chill the dough to prevent spreading and keep the shape.
- Adjust glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more juice for a thinner drizzle.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own, but they pair beautifully with:
- A cup of black tea or herbal infusion
- Light fruit salads for a summer dessert spread
- A glass of chilled lemonade for an all-lemon treat
Storage Instructions
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unglazed cookies for up to 2 months and glaze them after thawing.
Final Thoughts
Glazed Lemon Cookies are the kind of treat that brings sunshine to any day. With their soft texture, fresh lemon taste, and sweet glaze, they’re as lovely to look at as they are to eat. Once you try them, you might find yourself baking a batch every time you see fresh lemons in your kitchen.