These sweet and tangy lemon cookies are like little bites of sunshine! With their soft, chewy texture and zesty lemon flavor, they’re a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to friends, or indulging in a personal treat, these cookies are guaranteed to brighten your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

If you love the refreshing taste of lemon desserts, this recipe is going to be your new favorite. These cookies strike the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess. They’re easy to make, use simple ingredients, and are a wonderful twist on classic sugar cookies. Plus, that lemon glaze on top? It’s the cherry on the cake—or in this case, the zest on the cookie!

Ingredients

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll need to make these cookies:

Fresh lemons (zest and juice)
All-purpose flour
Sugar
Butter

The full list of ingredients and precise measurements can be found below in the recipe card.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Scoop the dough onto the baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely.
Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cookies and let it set before serving.

Expert Tips and Tricks

For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. It makes all the difference!
Chill the dough for about 20 minutes if it feels too soft—it’ll make it easier to scoop and shape.
Add a pinch of lemon extract for an extra pop of lemony goodness.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap the lemon for lime or orange for a citrusy twist.
Add poppy seeds to the dough for a fun texture and flavor combo.
Dust the cookies with powdered sugar instead of glazing them for a simpler version.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These lemon cookies are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert, or serve them alongside other citrusy treats for a themed dessert platter.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to a month. Let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. Thaw it slightly before baking.

2. Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies may result from overly warm butter or skipping the chilling step. Be sure to chill the dough if it feels too soft.

3. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger bowl and adjust baking times slightly if needed.

4. How do I make the glaze thicker?
If your glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a drop of lemon juice at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Conclusion

Sweet and tangy lemon cookies are a delightful treat that’s as easy to make as they are to eat. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to special celebrations. Once you take a bite, you’ll see why they’re an instant favorite. Go ahead—whip up a batch and enjoy a little sunshine in cookie form!

Sweet and Tangy Lemon Cookies

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These sweet and tangy lemon cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. A simple glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness, making them ideal for any occasion—from afternoon tea to holiday cookie exchanges!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.
Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Bake the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
Glaze the Cookies:
Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies. Garnish with additional lemon zest, if desired. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a stronger lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract to the cookie dough.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw before baking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 140
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 25mg