There’s something truly magical about baking cookies, isn’t there? The way the aroma fills your home, wrapping you in a warm, inviting hug—it’s hard to resist! My lemon glazed cookies recipe is a perfect example of this joy. These cookies combine a zesty lemon flavor with a sweet, glossy glaze that takes each bite to another level of delight. They’ve been a family favorite at our gatherings for years, brightening up any occasion with their sunny disposition.
I still remember the first time I made these cookies for a summer picnic. The kids couldn’t get enough, and my aunt even asked for the recipe, which is a big deal in our family! Baking has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and sharing these treats has brought so much happiness to friends and family alike. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re a staple in my kitchen. So, let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest, freshly zested
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze), freshly squeezed
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it helps your cookies bake evenly from the start. While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is key to ensure all the dry ingredients are well combined and aerated, which will give your cookies a lovely texture!
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Now, in a separate bowl, it’s time to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. You want to beat these until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3 to 5 minutes. This process incorporates air into the butter, which helps your cookies rise beautifully. Don’t rush it; the fluffier, the better!
Combining Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix these together until everything is well combined. You want to ensure the zest is evenly distributed, so each cookie is bursting with that vibrant lemon flavor. Just a quick note: don’t overmix at this stage; we want a tender cookie!
Forming the Dough
Now, it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Your dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not overly wet. If it feels too loose, don’t panic—just a sprinkle of flour will help you out!
Baking the Cookies
When your dough is ready, drop tablespoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie; they need room to spread! Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen starts smelling heavenly—trust me on this!
Cooling and Glazing
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time is essential, as it helps them firm up. While they cool, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with freshly squeezed lemon juice until you get a smooth consistency. You want it thick enough to drizzle but not too runny. Once the cookies are cool, drizzle that luscious glaze over them, and voila—your lemon glazed cookies are ready to shine!
Nutritional Information
When indulging in these delightful lemon glazed cookies, it’s good to know what you’re treating yourself to! Each cookie contains approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements. Enjoy these cookies in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and savor every zesty bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy days!
- Bright, zesty lemon flavor that adds a refreshing twist.
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations.
- Soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Gorgeous glaze that makes them look as good as they taste!
Tips for Success
For the best lemon flavor, don’t skimp on the lemon zest—feel free to add a bit more if you’re a citrus lover like me! If you want to elevate the texture, consider mixing in some poppy seeds; they add a delightful crunch. Also, make sure your butter is softened properly for easier creaming. And remember, every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on those cookies as they bake—you want that perfect golden edge!
Variations
While my lemon glazed cookies are a hit as is, there are so many fun ways to mix things up! For a tropical twist, try substituting lime zest and juice instead of lemon. You could also add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, incorporate a hint of lavender for a floral note, or even a bit of orange zest to create a citrus medley. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your lemon glazed cookies experience, pair them with a refreshing cup of iced tea or a light herbal tea. The citrus notes work beautifully alongside a sweetened chamomile or a lemon verbena blend. For dessert lovers, serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet for a delightful contrast. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert platter for gatherings, bringing a burst of sunshine to any table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your lemon glazed cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag once frozen. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature—no reheating needed!
Lemon Glazed Cookies Recipe: 5 Easy Steps to Bake Joy!
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon glazed cookies are a delightful treat combining a zesty lemon flavor with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice to create the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.
Notes
- For a more intense lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest.
- Consider adding poppy seeds for texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: lemon glazed cookies recipe easy baking
