Lemon Cookies with Sugar Glaze

Learn how to make the best lemon cookies! A perfect blend of tangy lemon and sweetness, these cookies are irresistibly soft and delicious.

There’s something so comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the kitchen. It’s a sign of good things to come, and how can you *not* be happy when you smell that smell?

Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that takes baking cookies to a new, zesty height: lemon cookies. The best you’ve ever had, and topped with a delicious glaze (if you want).

Each cookie is soft yet slightly crisp around the edges, creating a satisfying texture that’s absolutely irresistible. The secret? A well-balanced mixture of butter and sugar.

But what truly sets these cookies apart is the addition of fresh lemon juice and zest. These ingredients infuse the cookies with a bright, refreshing flavor that’s both invigorating and comforting.

For those who adore a glossy finish and an extra punch of sweetness, the optional glaze is a game-changer. The topping that complements the lemon flavor beautifully, adding a touch of elegance to these already divine treats.

Whether you’re a lemon lover or simply someone who appreciates a cookie that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, this recipe is bound to impress.

As I’m sure you can imagine, these are perfect for an Easter dessert. Check out our lemon shortbread, frosted lemon cookies, and lemon blueberry thumbprints too.

Tips for Making Delicious Cookies

Before you dive into this recipe, I’ve got some tips for you on making the best (and tastiest) cookies. If you’re interested, check them out. Otherwise scroll to the bottom for the recipe.

Use Quality Ingredients

Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best cookie flavor and texture. You’ll for sure want to get fresh eggs, good quality butter, and pure vanilla extract (instead of imitation).

Measure Precisely

Flour is often the main dry ingredient in these cookies. Measure using the scoop-and-level method, as adding too much flour can result in dry baked goods.

Bring Cold Ingredients to Room Temp

Bring ingredients like butter, and eggs to room temperature before mixing. They will incorporate better, resulting in smoother batter and soft cookies. They don’t need to be warm; slightly cool to room temp is fine.

Avoid Overmixing

Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined, or the dry disappears into the wet. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.

Chill the Dough

Chilling the cookie dough in the fridge for the specified time (or even overnight) before baking allows the flavors to meld and the fats to solidify. This results in cookies with better flavor and texture. It also prevents them from spreading too much during baking.

Look for Golden Edges

Unless the recipe says otherwise, the edges of the cookies should turn a golden brown while the center remains slightly soft. This balance ensures a chewy texture without overbaking.

Cool Before Transferring

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and avoids them becoming too fragile and crumbling apart.

Remember, practicing and experimenting will help you perfect your baking skills over time. Have fun and enjoy the process of creating delicious baked goods!

Here’s what you’re going to need to make these soft lemon cookies.

Ingredients

• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional Glaze

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 3 – 4 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Tips and Thoughts for This Recipe

Make sure to place these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. These will last about a week to two weeks . . . the more they are exposed to air, the more moisture they lose. That means over time, they aren’t as soft. But they are still delicious!

You can also freeze these for up to two months. Wait to put the glaze on until you bring them out of the freezer and allow them to raise to room temperature (no microwave).

Get the printable recipe card below:

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Did you love this unique cookie recipe? Let me know in the comments! I’d also love for you to check out these other fun cookies:

4th of July • Apple Pie • Apricot Dark Chocolate • Bacon Chocolate Chip • Brownie Chocolate Chip • Buckeye • Butterscotch Chocolate Chip • Butterscotch Popcorn • Caramel Apple • Best Chocolate Chip • Chocolate Chip (Air Fryer) • Chocolate Chip Pudding • Chocolate Chip Sandwich • Chocolate Crinkles • Chocolate Marshmallow • Circus Animal • Cotton Candy • Cranberry Oatmeal • Easter M&M • Funfetti • Ginger Molasses • Heath Bar • Italian Easter • Nutella Stuffed • Oatmeal Chocolate Chip • Oatmeal Cream Pies • Peanut Butter Blossoms • Reese’s Pieces • Ritz S’mores • Rolo • Shortbread Tea • Snickers • Jam Thumbprints (Classic) • Vanilla • White Chocolate Cranberry • White Chocolate Snickerdoodles