Zesty Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe: Bright & Sweet Bliss

Soft, buttery sugar cookies dancing with zesty lemon flavors will brighten any dreary afternoon.

These tangy lemon sugar cookies bring sunshine to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweet and citrusy notes that melt perfectly on your tongue.

Fresh lemons infuse the classic cookie recipe with unexpected brightness and depth.

The simple ingredients come together quickly, creating a treat that looks elegant and tastes incredible.

Delicate, crisp edges give way to a tender center that promises pure cookie bliss.

Bake a batch and watch these little rays of lemony goodness disappear in moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Calories: 152 kcal

Servings: 24

Ingredients for Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, tender base with smooth texture and helps cookies develop golden edges.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps cookies achieve crisp, caramelized exterior.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture for soft cookie consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity with warm, aromatic notes.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy flavor and helps activate leavening agents.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrusy aroma and provides concentrated lemon essence.

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structural foundation and creates tender cookie texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light, creating soft crumb.
• Baking Soda: Supports browning and provides additional leavening action.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies overall flavor profile.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy coating with perfect drizzling consistency.
• Additional Lemon Juice: Thins glaze and adds zingy citrus punch.
• Additional Lemon Zest: Provides fresh, vibrant citrus accent to glaze topping.

Equipment That Helps Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies Shine

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar to fluffy perfection.
• Whisk: Great for mixing dry ingredients and creating a smooth glaze.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Baking sheets: Needed for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Small bowl: Used for preparing the lemon glaze.
• Microplane or zester: Ideal for getting fine lemon zest.
• Spoon or spatula: Helpful for scooping and drizzling glaze.

Baking Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies with a Perfect Finish

• Whip Up the Cookie Base

Grab your mixing bowl and blend softened butter with sugar until super fluffy. Toss in a fresh egg, squeeze of lemon, zesty lemon peels, and vanilla. Mix everything until it looks creamy and dreamy.

• Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix flour, rising agents, and a pinch of salt. Slowly fold these dry ingredients into your buttery mixture. Stop mixing the moment everything looks incorporated.

• Shape Your Treats

Roll small portions of dough into cute little balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving some breathing room between each cookie. Gently press down each ball with your hand.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the cookies into a preheated oven. Bake until edges look set and bottoms turn a delicate golden color. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes.

• Create Zesty Glaze

While cookies cool, whisk powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice and zest. Adjust the liquid to get your perfect glaze consistency – not too thick, not too runny.

• Finish with Glaze

Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle your tangy glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a short while before serving these lemony delights.

Tips to Keep Your Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies Just Right

• Add extra lemon zest for a more intense citrus flavor that makes these cookies pop with brightness.
• Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 weeks for quick baking anytime.
• Swap regular flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version that still delivers rich, tender cookies.
• Sprinkle some lemon zest or colorful sugar crystals on top of the glaze for an extra touch of visual appeal and texture.

Creative Serving Ideas for Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies

• Zesty Tea Party Delight: Serve these cookies alongside a refreshing lemon-infused herbal tea, creating a perfect afternoon treat that complements the cookie's bright citrus flavor.
• Dessert Platter Stunner: Arrange the glazed cookies on a beautiful white platter with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves for an elegant and Instagram-worthy presentation that highlights their vibrant colors.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Pair these cookies with a light Greek yogurt parfait or as a sweet accompaniment to a weekend brunch spread, adding a delightful lemony touch to your morning gathering.
• Summer Picnic Star: Pack these cookies in a cute container for outdoor gatherings, where their portable size and refreshing lemon glaze make them a crowd-pleasing dessert that's easy to share and enjoy.

Keeping Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies from Getting Sticky

• Store glazed cookies in an airtight container with a layer of parchment paper between each row to prevent sticking. Keeps cookies fresh for 5-7 days at room temperature.
• Wrap unglazed cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and add glaze before serving for maximum freshness.
• Prepare cookie dough balls and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. This allows flavors to develop and provides convenient baking flexibility whenever you want fresh cookies.
• Mix glaze just before serving for optimal consistency. If storing glazed cookies, let them sit at room temperature until glaze completely hardens to prevent smudging or running.

FAQs

• What gives these lemon sugar cookies their bright flavor?

The combination of fresh lemon juice and lemon zest provides a vibrant, tangy citrus taste that makes these cookies incredibly zesty and refreshing.

• Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 weeks. Just bring the dough to room temperature before baking.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and set centers. The cookies should appear slightly soft but not wet, and they’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

• Is it possible to make these cookies without a mixer?

While a mixer helps create a fluffy texture, you can use a wooden spoon and some elbow grease to cream the butter and sugar, then mix in the remaining ingredients by hand.

Tangy Lemon Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Classic Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies deliver a tangy, sweet sensation that delights dessert enthusiasts. Fresh citrus notes and delicate sugar crystals combine for a memorable treat you’ll crave after the first bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (227 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Calibrate oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for seamless cookie development.
2. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, ensuring complete integration of flavor components.
3. Dry Ingredient Composition: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl to distribute leavening agents evenly.
4. Dough Formation: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined, maintaining a delicate cookie texture. Scoop and roll dough into uniform balls, spacing them two inches apart on prepared sheets.
5. Baking Transformation: Press cookies slightly with palm to flatten. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden and centers set. Rest cookies on baking sheet for five minutes to stabilize structure.
6. Cooling Protocol: Transfer cookies to wire rack, allowing complete cooling and preventing moisture retention.
7. Glaze Crafting: Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest to create a smooth, silky glaze. Adjust consistency by incrementally adding powdered sugar or lemon juice as needed.
8. Finishing Touch: Once cookies reach room temperature, drizzle or spoon glaze evenly across surface. Allow glaze to set for 15-20 minutes, developing a glossy, professional appearance before serving.

Notes

• Zest Precision: Gently grate lemon zest using a microplane for fine, fragrant shreds without bitter white pith.
• Butter Temperature Matters: Use room temperature butter for smoother creaming and better cookie structure, preventing dense or tough results.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can create tough cookies.
• Glaze Consistency Control: Add powdered sugar or lemon juice gradually to achieve the perfect drizzling or spreading consistency for a professional-looking finish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg