Easy Glazed Lemon Cookies Recipe (Soft and Chewy)

These Easy Glazed Lemon Cookies are a bright burst of sunshine in cookie form—soft, chewy, and dripping with a zesty lemon glaze that adds the perfect tangy finish. They’re quick to whip up, require only simple ingredients, and are ideal for those moments when you want something sweet and refreshing without spending hours in the kitchen. These cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, making them an absolute go-to for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or just a cozy treat at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and No-Fuss: You’ll have fresh, homemade cookies ready in just about 30 minutes. Perfect for last-minute cravings or when guests are on the way.
• Soft and Chewy: These cookies have a tender, cake-like texture with a chewy bite that keeps you coming back for more.
• Lemony Goodness: That fresh lemon flavor shines through in both the cookie and the glaze—no artificial flavors here.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for bake sales, potlucks, or just the family, everyone loves these. They vanish fast!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies structure while keeping them soft and tender.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them that light, cakey texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and keeps the cookies moist. Room temperature is key for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create that soft texture.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds structure.
• Fresh lemon zest: This is where that amazing lemony aroma and flavor comes from. Don’t skip it—it makes all the difference.
• Fresh lemon juice: For both the cookie dough and the glaze. Use freshly squeezed for the best zing.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to balance the citrus.
• Powdered sugar: Used to make the glaze that hardens into a sweet, tangy topping.

Variations

• Lemon-Lavender: Add a tiny pinch of dried culinary lavender to the dough for a delicate floral twist.
• Lemon-Poppy Seed: Stir in a teaspoon or two of poppy seeds to give the cookies extra texture and a bakery-style vibe.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Mix the powdered sugar with a bit of softened cream cheese instead of just lemon juice for a richer glaze.
• Orange or Lime: Swap out the lemon zest and juice for orange or lime for a citrusy variation that’s just as delicious.

How to Make Easy Glazed Lemon Cookies

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This helps create that soft texture.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is incorporated.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.

Step 6: Glaze While Warm

While the cookies are still warm, mix together the powdered sugar and lemon juice to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle or spread over the cookies and let it set as they cool.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: It makes mixing easier and helps the cookies bake evenly.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once the flour goes in, mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
• Fresh Lemon is a Must: Bottled lemon juice doesn’t compare—use the real thing for that vibrant flavor.
• Glaze While Warm: This lets the glaze melt slightly into the top, creating a smooth, shiny finish.

How to Serve

These cookies are absolutely delightful on their own, but if you want to go the extra mile:

With Tea or Coffee

Serve alongside a hot cup of tea (Earl Grey is amazing with lemon) or a rich cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

On a Dessert Platter

Pair them with other light sweets like shortbread or fruit tarts for a beautiful and flavorful dessert tray.

As a Gift

Wrap them in a clear bag with a ribbon or stack them in a cookie tin—they make fantastic homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your lemon cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and chewy the whole time.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cookies (without the glaze) for up to 2 months. Freeze them flat on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a container or bag.

Reheating

Thaw at room temperature, then glaze before serving for the freshest texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for the best flavor. Bottled juice lacks the same brightness and can make the cookies taste dull.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to bake in batches and rotate your baking sheets halfway through for even cooking.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
Too-warm butter or overmixing the dough can lead to excess spreading. Chill the dough briefly if needed before baking.

Can I skip the glaze?
Technically yes, but the glaze adds so much flavor and sweetness—it’s really worth the extra step. If you do skip it, consider dusting the cookies with powdered sugar instead.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Glazed Lemon Cookies are everything a great cookie should be: simple to make, full of flavor, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, you’ll love how quickly they come together and how amazing they taste. So grab those lemons and let’s get baking—your new favorite cookie is just a few steps away!

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