Lemon cookies are a delightful dessert that perfectly balance the sweet, tangy, and citrusy flavors in a simple, easy-to-make recipe. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a spring celebration, or just craving something refreshing, lemon cookies are sure to hit the spot. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through a lemon cookie recipe, covering ingredients, instructions, tips, and much more.

Ingredients for Lemon Cookie Recipe

To make these delicious lemon cookies, you will need simple ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to get started:

For the Lemon Cookie Dough:

• All-purpose flour: 2 ¼ cups (spooned and leveled)
• Baking powder: 1 tsp
• Salt: ¼ tsp (fine sea salt preferred)
• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (softened to room temperature)
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup
• Lemon zest: 2 tablespoons (from about 2 large lemons)
• Egg: 1 large (at room temperature)
• Lemon juice: 1 ½ tablespoons (freshly squeezed)

For the Lemon Glaze:

• Powdered sugar: 1 ½ cups (sifted)
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
• Lemon zest: Optional, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making lemon cookies is a breeze, even for beginners. This recipe doesn’t require chilling time, making it quick and easy to whip up. Here’s how to make these zesty cookies step by step:

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cookie removal after baking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

• In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

4. Add Lemon Zest and Egg

• Once the butter and sugar mixture is creamy, add the lemon zest and egg. Beat until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl if needed.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just incorporated—be careful not to overmix.

6. Portion and Shape the Dough

• Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, form dough balls about 1 ½ tablespoons in size. Roll each ball in your hands to smooth out the edges and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
• Gently press each dough ball down with your palm, flattening it to about ⅓-inch thick.

7. Bake the Cookies

• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden brown and the cookies are just set. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.

8. Cool the Cookies

• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Prepare the Glaze

• While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. The glaze should be thick but pourable.

10. Glaze the Cookies

• Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of each cookie. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle the cookies with additional lemon zest.

11. Let the Glaze Set

• Allow the glaze to set for about 30 minutes before serving the cookies. This will give the glaze a chance to harden slightly and create a nice finish.

Directions Summary

Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie)

Reviews

Samantha K. – ★★★★★ “These lemon cookies are absolutely delicious! The balance of sweet and tart is perfect, and the glaze gives them an extra burst of citrus. My family loved them, and I’ll definitely make them again!”

John P. – ★★★★☆ “Great recipe! I did find the dough a bit sticky, but they came out beautifully. The glaze is a must—it makes these cookies truly special.”

Olivia S. – ★★★★★ “Perfect cookies for a spring gathering. They were so easy to make, and the lemon flavor really shines. They didn’t last long in our house!”

Community Feedback

Lemon cookies are a beloved treat in many households. Many people rave about the bright citrusy flavor and the soft, chewy texture of these cookies. Here’s what some of the community has to say:

• “These cookies are a crowd favorite! I’ve made them twice already, and each time they disappear in no time!”
• “I love how easy and quick this recipe is. Plus, the glaze is divine!”

Tips and Praise

Here are a few tips to ensure your lemon cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons instead of bottled lemon juice.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method or a digital scale to measure your flour accurately. Too much flour can result in dense cookies.
• Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature (about 67°F or 19°C). If it’s too soft or too cold, the dough might not come together as expected.
• Customize the Glaze: If you like a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, add a bit more lemon juice.
• Freeze the Dough: If you want to prep these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the dough. Roll the dough into balls and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, place the dough balls directly on the baking sheet and bake as directed.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies without the glaze?

Yes, you can skip the glaze if you prefer a less sweet cookie. The cookies themselves are full of lemon flavor and still delicious on their own.

How do I store leftover lemon cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure the glaze has completely set before storing.

Can I use other citrus fruits?

Yes! You can substitute lemon with orange, lime, or even grapefruit for a different citrusy flavor. Just adjust the zest and juice amounts to your taste.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough or prepare the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container once they have cooled and the glaze has set.

What if the dough is too sticky?

If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before shaping the cookies. This will make it easier to handle.

Conclusion