Description
These bright and zesty lemon cookies are soft and chewy inside with lightly crisp edges, finished with a tangy lemon glaze for a fresh burst of citrus flavor. Perfect for tea time or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 °F (180 °C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter, sugar, and lemon zest together until pale and fluffy.
- Add egg and beat until incorporated, then mix in lemon juice.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Portion dough into 1½-tablespoon balls, roll in granulated sugar, and space 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Optionally chill dough balls for 30 minutes to reduce spreading.
- Bake for 10–14 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare glaze by whisking powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth.
- Drizzle or dip cooled cookies in glaze and allow to set for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps control spread but is optional.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Dough can be frozen up to 2 months; bake from frozen with an extra minute or two.
- Roll in powdered sugar before baking for a crinkle effect.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
