Description
Delight in these zesty and sweet Lemon Sugar Cookies, perfectly soft with a bright lemon flavor and a smooth, tangy lemon glaze. Ideal for a fresh twist on classic sugar cookies, these treats combine simple ingredients and quick baking for a refreshing dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 5 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- A few drops vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a fluffy base for the dough.
- Mix in wet ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest to the creamed mixture, blending thoroughly for an even lemon flavor throughout.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until a soft cookie dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Portion dough: Scoop out dough portions of about 1 tablespoon each and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 1.5 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 7 minutes or until the cookie edges barely begin to turn golden but centers remain soft.
- Cool cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare glaze: While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and optional vanilla extract in a bowl to create a smooth, pourable glaze.
- Glaze cookies: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled cookies evenly and let them sit until the glaze sets completely, adding a sweet and tangy finish.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best vibrant lemon flavor.
- Don’t overbake cookies; they should be soft when removed from the oven.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for maximum freshness.
