Description
Delightful lemon and poppy seed cookies that are perfectly soft with a hint of citrus zest, topped with a smooth lemon glaze. These cookies combine tangy lemon flavor with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds, making them an irresistible treat that’s easy to bake and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 110 g butter, room temperature
- 1 large egg (59-60 g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 210 g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1/2 tsp salt
Lemon Icing
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 1-2 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 175ºC (350ºF) using a conventional oven setting. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Release Lemon Zest Flavor: In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Rub them together thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand, which helps release the lemon’s aromatic oils and brightens the cookie’s flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugar Mixture: Add the softened butter to the lemon sugar mixture. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. Then add the large egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, blending until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, poppy seeds, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing at low speed just until everything is incorporated.
- Scoop and Bake Cookies: Use a medium cookie scoop (2.5 tbsp or 53 g) to portion the dough evenly, placing 6 cookies at a time onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake one sheet at a time for 10 to 11 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes, which helps them set without breaking. Then transfer to a wire rack using a spatula to cool completely.
- Prepare Lemon Icing: In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon juice until smooth and drizzleable.
- Glaze Cookies: Drizzle the lemon icing over the cooled cookies for an added sweet and tangy finish. Allow the icing to set before serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter is softened but not melted before mixing.
- The lemon zest is key to infusing fresh flavor—use unwaxed lemons for zesting.
- You can adjust the lemon juice amount in the icing to achieve your preferred consistency and tartness.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies freeze well without icing; add the lemon glaze after thawing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
