Lemon Cookies with Lemon Glaze

If you love the refreshing flavor of lemon, these Lemon Cookies with Lemon Glaze are a must-try! With a soft, buttery sugar cookie base and a sweet-tart glaze, they’re the perfect balance of citrusy goodness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The dough comes together easily in just one bowl, making the baking of these cookies a breeze. 

Lemon Cookies with Lemon Glaze

This recipe comes from my husband’s maternal grandmother, a woman who had a true passion for baking. We spent so many weekends with her, eagerly learning her cherished family recipes and savoring every moment. This one is another gem she passed down. The cookies are pillowy soft with a burst of vibrant lemon flavor in every bite. The glaze on top adds the perfect touch of sweetness—just enough to complement the citrus without overwhelming it. A truly timeless recipe that’s as delightful as the woman who shared it with us!

For all of the lemon lovers, these Lemon Cookies with Lemon Glaze will quickly become your go-to recipe. These soft lemon cookies are packed with a zesty lemon flavor that’s enhanced with both fresh lemon juice and a touch of lemon extract. The simple, but delicious glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making these cookies an irresistible treat for any occasion.

What You Need

• Salted or Unsalted Butter, softened

• Granulated Sugar

• Egg

• Milk

• Lemon Peel

• Lemon Juice

• All Purpose Flour

• Baking Powder

• Powdered Sugar

Tips for Making Lemon Cookies with Lemon Glaze

• Fresh lemon zest adds intense citrus flavor, while fresh juice enhances the brightness. Avoid bottled lemon juice for the best taste.

• Let your butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to achieve a smooth, creamy texture when mixed.

• If your dough is too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

• Lemon cookies should be soft and slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven. They’ll continue to set as they cool.

• Sift the powdered sugar to prevent lumps in the glaze and ensures a smooth, silky texture.

• If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit of lemon juice. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar

How to Make Lemon Cookies with Lemon Glaze

Step 1: In a large bowl using an hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar. Beat in the egg, milk, lemon peel and lemon juice and mix until fully combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients (flour and baking powder) and mix until fully combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula.

Above Left: butter and sugar ready to cream. Above Middle: egg, milk, lemon juice and lemon peel added to creamed butter. Above Right: Dry ingredients added to wet ingredients and ready to combine.

Step 2: Cover the bowl of cookie dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop, place dough balls on parchment paper leaving room between the cookies to allow for some spreading. Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes.

Step 3: While the cookies are baking, in a small bowl combine sugar and lemon juice and mix until fully combined. As the cookies come out of the oven, allow them to cool for a couple of minutes on the cookie sheet then brush the baked cookies with the simple lemon glaze and move to a wire rack.

Above Left: Sugar and Lemon Glaze and Above Right: Lemon cookies with glaze added.

How to Store Lemon Cookies with Lemon Glaze

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though they likely won’t last long!), store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a ziplock bag or plastic container for up to 3 months. This is the best way to ensure your cookies stay delicious! Whether you’re looking for a light and zesty treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion, this soft cookie is sure to be a hit!

Lemon Cookies with Lemon Glaze ready to enjoy!

These soft lemon cookies are the ultimate treat for any lemon lover. Whether you're looking for soft sugar cookies to pair with your afternoon tea or craving lemon desserts that’s both tangy and sweet, this lemon cookies recipe is sure to satisfy. They’re perfect for baking during the time of year when you want something light and refreshing, but still indulgent. The combination of fresh citrus and simple ingredients creates a delicious cookie that’s truly hard to resist! Happy baking, and be sure to share this great recipe with your friends because they are Forkin' Good!

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