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Tender Lemon Cookies with Zesty Citrus Glaze

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These tender lemon cookies feature a perfect balance of soft crumb and bright citrus glaze, making them an easy, crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • Zest of 2 large lemons
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
  • Zest of 1 lemon (for glaze)
  • Optional: a pinch of salt (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract if using.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding gently until just combined.
  6. Scoop dough onto baking sheets about 2 inches apart and flatten slightly with fingers or back of a spoon.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers are still soft. Rotate pans halfway through baking.
  8. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest to make the glaze. Adjust consistency as needed.
  10. Drizzle or spread glaze over cooled cookies and let set at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use softened butter, not melted, for tender cookies. Do not overmix after adding flour to avoid toughness. Fresh lemon zest is key for flavor. Chill dough if too sticky. Let cookies cool completely before glazing to prevent glaze from melting. Adjust glaze consistency with powdered sugar or lemon juice as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon cookies, citrus glaze, tender cookies, easy lemon dessert, lemon zest, homemade cookies, baking

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/tender-lemon-cookies-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-perfect-zesty-citrus-glaze/